Effects of Chronic Irradiation on Age-Related Biochemical Changes in Mice

Abstract

Some of the biochemical indices relevant to the "free radical theory" of aging have been assessed in mice subjected to chronic low-dose whole-body irradiation. Radiation exposure results in enhanced accumulation of the lipofuscins in brain, heart, and intestine. In these animals, the degree of lipoperoxidation in liver was greatly increased, as were the free activities of acid phosphatase and cathespin, indicating damage to lysosomal membranes. The activity of SOD in brain and liver 20,000g post-mitochondrial supernatants was lower in the irradiated mice. All these changes arising from chronic whole-body irradiation are similar to those observed during aging and are effectively prevented by dietary supplementation with BHT. These observations lend considerable support to the "free radical theory" of aging.

Ionizing Radiation-Induced Brain Cell Aging and the Potential Underlying Molecular Mechanisms

“…Chronic low-dose-rate γ-irradiation can induce brain aging and reduce neuronal density [ 34 ]. In mouse studies, high-dose rate γ-irradiation was shown to reduce the activity of superoxide dismutase and increase the amounts of free radicals, which may be related to aging [ 91 ].…”