title: Neural aging: speculation.
abstract: This communication attempts to explain the absence of mitosis in cortical neurons of adult mammals in terms of defective proteolysis and a hypothetical proteolysis-inhibiting factor (PIF). Highly speculative hypotheses offer an explanation for aging at the cellular level. The speculations are analyzed in terms of Sacher's action principle for mammalian longevity, which is based on encephalization, metabolic rate, and body temperature.
authors: University of Georgia, Graduate Studies Research Center, Athens 30602.
authors: D W
authors: DW
authors: Brown
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*