BioFactors 18 (2003) 283–287 283 IOS Press The effects of Coenzyme Q 10 on locomotor and behavioral activity in young and aged C57BL/6 mice Drew S. Sinatra a , Stephen T. Sinatra b,* and Charles J. Heyser a a Department of Psychology, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA, USA b University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA Abstract. To explore the possibility that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation stabilizes psychomotor behavioral function in the aging organism, the behavioral effects of CoQ10 were evaluated in young adult male C57BL/6 mice (3 months of age) and aged C57BL/6 mice (24 months of age). Mice treated with CoQ10 exhibited significantly greater locomotor activity as reflected by an increase in square crosses than non-drug controls. The administration of CoQ 10 increased all aspects of exploratory behavior in the open field. The effect was uniform across all mice and did not interact with age. Younger animals and aged animals treated with CoQ10 may adapt rapidly to novel areas, or they are less fearful of exploration. The behavioral activation observed in CoQ10 treated mice may be the result of increased locomotor activity, psychomotor stimulation, or decreased anxiety. Keywords: Mice, CoEnzyme Q10, psychomotor stimulation, exploratory behavior, anxiety 1. Introduction Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10 ) is an essential biological cofactor produced endogenously in the body and also provided in the food chain. As a critical component in the electron transport chain in mitochondria, it has a crucial role in cellular energy production (ATP) as a vital electron and proton carrier. The administration of Coenzyme Q 10 has been shown to increase brain mitochondrial concentrations and exert neuroprotective effects [1]. In a very recent study, participants receiving high-dose (1200 mg) supplemental CoQ 10 had the greatest improvements in activities of daily living [2]. The overriding implication of previous research demonstrates cytoprotective and neuroprotective effects of CoQ 10 , implicating the tentative hypothesis for a parallel delay in age-related behavorial impairments [2]. In the rat model, Coenzyme Q 10 combined with propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC), nicotinamide (NAM), riboflavin, and pantothenic acid improved motor function of striated, cardiac, and smooth muscle [3]. In this investigation, mice supplemented with CoQ 10 and their non-supplemented counterparts were treated for 28 days, and then exposed to open-field testing where locomotor and behavioral responses were recorded. * Address for correspondence: Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., F.A.C.C., 257 East Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040, USA. Tel.: +1 860 643 5101; Fax: +1 860 533 9747; E-mail: nehcpiazza@aol.com. 0951-6433/03/$8.00  2003 – IOS Press. All rights reserved