An antioxidant induced alterations in peroxidase activity in ageing Zaprionus paravittiger (Diptera).

Sodium hypophosphite (1 x 10(3) microM) supplementation in the diet of Zaprionus paravittiger resulted in adaptive responses in the quantitative as well as qualitative activity of peroxidase. The changes in peroxidase were in compliance with the earlier reported sodium hypophosphite (SHP)-induced prolonged life span of flies (Wadhwa, R., Arch. Gerontol. Geriatr., 6 (1987) 141-147) and support the concept that antioxidative enzymes may serve as important longevity determinants.