title: Biochemical changes of rat brain membranes with aging.
abstract: Modification of membrane composition and enzymatic activities both in total brain homogenate and purified synaptic plasma membrane of 3 and 24 month old rats has been investigated. Protein, cholesterol and phospholipid content and (Na+, K+)ATPase and 2',3' cyclic nucleotide phosphohydrolase activities were determined. The major changes occurred in the whole homogenate where a general increase in total protein and cholesterol content with age and a significant increase of the cholesterol/phospholipids molar ratio has been detected. In S.P.M. aging process induced a decrease of protein, cholesterol and phospholipids content associated with an increased membrane viscosity and a decrease of delta E. These data are consistent with a change in the structural organization and in the distribution pattern of different cell population in the aging brain. A possible artifactual effect of freezing on the reported parameter is also discussed.
mesh_terms: D015087:2',3'-Cyclic-Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases / Q000378:metabolism; D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008560:Membrane Fluidity; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000378:metabolism; D013570:Synaptic Membranes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D008563:Membrane Lipids; D010743:Phospholipids; D002784:Cholesterol; D015087:2',3'-Cyclic-Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase