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The lipids of human sciatic nerve by age group
Acta Neurologica Latinoamericana
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Human peripheral nerve lipid composition changes with age, showing decreased phospholipids in older adults. These findings suggest a loss of nerve constituents after 65 years, impacting axonal-myelin integrity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Human peripheral nerve aging involves complex biochemical alterations.
- Understanding age-related changes in nerve lipids is crucial for neurological health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related quantitative changes in phospholipids and glycolipids in normal human peripheral nerves.
- To determine the impact of aging on nerve lipid composition and its constituents.
Main Methods:
- Lipid analysis of human sciatic nerve samples from 18 cases across different age groups.
- Quantification of total phospholipids, glycolipids, cholesterol, and major phospholipid components.
Main Results:
- Total phospholipids were highest in newborns and decreased significantly in individuals over 65 years.
- Glycolipids were lowest in the neonatal period; cholesterol levels remained stable with age.
- Phosphatidyl serine was enriched across all age groups, with age-stable percentage distribution of major phospholipid components.
Conclusions:
- Biochemical evidence suggests a loss of axonal-myelin constituents in peripheral nerves after 65 years of age.
- Age-related lipid changes correlate with histological and physiological nerve studies.
- Acidic phospholipids may play a role as membrane cation-transporters in aging nerves.