Aging changes of Macromolecular Synthesis in the Avian and Mammalian Eyes as Revealed by Microscopic Radioautography. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5016/1806-8774.2006v8p33

Abstract

Nagata T. Aging Changes of Macromolecular Synthesis in the Avian and Mammalian Eyes as Revealed by
Microscopic Radioautography. ARBS Annu Rev Biomed Sci 2006;8:33-67. In order to elucidate the aging
changes of macromolecular synthesis such as DNA, RNA, proteins and glucides in various organ systems
of experimental animals and men, we have studied various organs such as the skeletal, muscular, digestive,
respiratory, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, circulatory, nervous and sensory systems after incorporations
with radiolabeled macromolecular precursors by light and electron microscopic radioautography. This review
deals with the results obtained from the avian and mammalian eyeballs. The experimental animals mainly used
were chicken embryos during incubation for 1-7 days and strain mice at various aging groups from embryo
to postnatal juvenile 1 and 3 days, 1 and 2 weeks, mature 1, 2 and 6 months up to 1 and 2 years at senescent
stages. The animals were injected with such macromolecular precursors as 3H-thymidine for DNA, 3H-uridine
for RNA, 3H-amino acids for proteins, 3H-glucose, 3H-glucosamine and 35S-sulfate for glucides. The results
demonstrated that these precursors were incorporated into various ocular cells and tissues at various aging
groups from perinatal to juvenile, mature and senescent stages showing specific patterns of macromolecular
synthesis. It is concluded that the difference of macromolecular syntheses during development and aging
changes were demonstrated.