The same age-related morphological changes have been observed in the lymph node and spleen lymphocytes of old untreated Wistar rats and CBA/Ca mice. The same age-related changes were also observed in the peripheral lymphocytes of healthy humans. The most important changes were seen in the mitochondria of the lymphoid cells. They were sometimes swollen; the mitochondrial cristae disappeared and were replaced by myelin-like forms or filamentous structures. The mitochondrial changes developed only in non-labelled lymphoid cells, presumably the T cells. It is suggested that lymphocytes be used as a morphological model for the study of aging and its modification.

Adult↗

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[Comparative study of experimental tuberculosis of young and old rats].

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Aging↗

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Effect of smoking on different biological parameters in aging mice.

To investigate the harmful effect of smoking three groups of CBA/Ca male mice of different ages were subjected to smoking for different time durations. Body weight changes and acute cold tolerance were measured throughout the experiment. Thyroid hormone levels (T4, T3), TSH and lipid peroxidation products (as malondialdehyde and lipofuscin) were determined from either the blood or some organs. There was a decrease in body weight related to aging and it was most pronounced in the oldest animals (Group III). However, significant body-weight loss due to smoking was found in the youngest animals (Group I). Similarly, smoking resulted in a body-weight loss of the other two older groups (Groups II and III) as well. The greatest change in withstanding cold stress was measured in Group I and less so in Group II, as a consequence of smoking. Simultaneously, the youngest animals (Group I) showed the most remarkable changes in thyroxine (T4) and 3,3,4-triiodothyronine (T3) serum concentrations. Both hormone levels were significantly lower in the smokers. The T3 serum levels of the oldest animals (Group III) did not differ, while the T4 levels apparently increased. The TSH blood level in the oldest group was lower (by 20%) in the smokers compared to controls. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipofuscin content in most of the organs were considerably higher in the aging animals than those of the younger ones. The most significant elevations of these lipid peroxidation products were found in the smokers compared to the age-matched controls. The present results indicate that smoking probably accelerates the aging process.

Acclimatization↗

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Changes of organ indices of CBA/Ca inbred mice as function of age.

Weight changes of seven organs: brain, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, small intestine, and kidneys, were analyzed during aging of male CBA/Ca inbred mice. Data were collected as absolute organ weights, organ weights related to body, as well as brain weights. It was established that most organs increase their weight up to nearly two years of age, after which there is a dramatic decline. Body weight shows a distinct plateau or constancy along the lifespan of the animals; consequently, body weight seems to be generally the most favorable reference point to express some of the physiological changes and parameters of the aging organism. Variation coefficients of the organ weights generally become higher with age.

Aging↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Age-related changes in the skeletal muscle cells.

Skeletal muscle cells of young and old humans and CBA/Ca mice were examined electronmicroscopically. The mitochondria in old subjects and mice showed age-related changes. The cristae of mitochondria became irregularly spaced, disrupted and replaced by lamellar, myelin-like structures. Giant mitochondria were often visible. They contain lipofuscin in the myofibrils, too, which was often in close relationship with the damaged mitochondria. Comparing these mitochondrial changes with those demonstrated in the lymphocytes in authors' earlier reports, it can be stated that mitochondrial changes occur more frequently in the skeletal muscle cells than in the lymphocytes.

Abdominal Muscles↗