The aim was to test hypotheses regarding the adaptive response of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle of 12- and 29-mo rats following denervation and cross-reinnervation by the soleus nerve. The mass of cross-reinnervated EDL muscle was 87 and 86% of self-reinnervated control values in 12-mo (99 +/- 3 mg) and 29-mo (74 +/- 3 mg) rats, respectively. Cross-reinnervated EDL fiber area was 56 and 67% of self-reinnervated values in 12-mo (1,733 +/- 253 microns 2) and 29-mo (1,264 +/- 71 microns 2) rats, respectively. Cross-reinnervation increased the density of neural contact 26% in 12-mo rats and decreased density by 50% in 29-mo animals. In 12-mo rats 17% of motor end plates (MEP) were void of terminal nerves following cross-reinnervation compared with 48% in 29-mo rats. In cross-reinnervated muscles, slow myosin heavy chain (MHC) was 65 +/- 9 and 25 +/- 3% of total MHC in 12- and 29-mo rats, respectively. The percentage of type I fibers derived histochemically was 65 +/- 8% in 12-mo rats and 18 +/- 1% in 29-mo rats. In conclusion, there is an age-associated decrease in the ability of neurons to reinnervate the MEP area after nerve section. The conversion of fiber type in innervated fibers in response to cross-reinnervation may not differ due to age.