Effects of controlled dietary restriction on brainreactive antibodies in sera of aging mice

https://doi.org/10.1016/0047-6374(82)90078-1Get rights and content

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that underfeeding in both premature and young mature animals may extend the life span as well as preserve the functions of the immune system. The effects of caloric restriction for a period of 12 months on different organs as well as the formation of brain-reactive antibodies in young mature mice (3 months) were tested. These animals showed a significantly lower weight of the total body and various organs including the brain, spleen, adrenals and kidneys. The brain weight/body weight ratio, on the other hand, was significantly higher in these mice. Sera in the dietary animals were mostly negative while those of control animals of the same age and sex had high levels. The present study supports the earlier observations that controlled dietary restriction is able to slow down the age-related deterioration of the immune system. The inhibition of brain-reactive antibody formation in these animals might also be related to a delayed onset of autoimmune disorders.

References (34)

  • K. Nandy

    Senile dementia: an immune hypothesis

  • K. Nandy et al.

    Specificity of brain reactive antibodies in serum of old mice

    J. Gerontol.

    (1975)
  • K. Nandy

    Significance of brain-reactive antibodies in serum of aged mice

    J. Gerontol.

    (1975)
  • C.M. McCay et al.

    Retarded growth, lifespan, ultimate body size and age changes in the albino rat after feeding diets restricted in calories

    J. Nutr.

    (1939)
  • C.M. McCay et al.

    Growth, aging, chronic diseases in rats

    Arch. Biochem.

    (1943)
  • M. Gerbase-DeLima et al.

    Immune function and survival in a long-lived mouse strain subjected to undernutrition

    Gerontologia

    (1975)
  • M. Gerbase-DeLima et al.

    Age-related changes, including synergy and suppression, in the mixed lymphocyte reaction in long-lived mice

  • Cited by (11)

    • Chapter 5 Biochemical ageing in the retina and RPE

      1993, Progress in Retinal Research
    View all citing articles on Scopus
    View full text