The ageing pineal gland and its physiological consequences
Article Abstract:
Studies on the pineal hormone melatonin show that decline in levels associated with ageing has unfavorable physiological consequences. Mice experimentally deprived of food intake showed conservation of melatonin diurnal secretion with consequent prolongation of their life span due to immunostimulation, supression of brain reactive autoantibodies production and tumour inhibition. A down-regulation in beta-adrenergic receptors in the pinealocyte membrane causes the age-related decline in peak and duration of melatonin levels.
Publication Name: BioEssays
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0265-9247
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Replicative senescence: an old lives' tale?
Article Abstract:
The inability of animal cells to duplicate themselves for an indefinite period is replicative senescence. Scientists believe that the physiological implications of this is that it prevents cancer and that it is related to the aging of the organism. Senescent cells can no longer grow because of G1 DNA, have different functions compared to other cells and are no longer affected by apoptosis or cell death. Despite their usefulness in preventing cancer, senescent cells cause problems during aging.
Publication Name: Cell
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0092-8674
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Replicative senescence in the immune system: impact of the Hayflick limit on T-cell function in the elderly
Article Abstract:
T-cell replicative senescence is a factor in increasing morbidity and mortality with age. "Immunological age" can be measured by the level of T-cells exhibiting replicative senescence. T-cell replicative senescence has been studied in cell culture and also demonstrated in vivo in elderly people's cells. Proliferation of T cells plays a crucial role in lymphocyte function. Genetic changes occur in senescent T cells.
Publication Name: American Journal of Human Genetics
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0002-9297
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Mapping information roadways from sequence to phenotype and across species
- Abstracts: Cell wall and secreted proteins of Candida albicans: Identification, function, and expression. Genes and plant cell walls: A difficult relationship
- Abstracts: The ecology of overwintering among turtles: Where turtles overwinter and its consequences. From arctic lemmings to adaptive dynamics: Charles Elton's legacy in population ecology
- Abstracts: Human cell type diversity, evolution, development, and classification with special reference to cells derived from the neural crest
- Abstracts: Biology, ecology, and biotechnological applications of anaerobic bacteria adapted to environmental stresses in temperature, pH, salinity, or substrates