Parameters to monitor aging with a possible perspective for intervention - an immunological approach

Reliable aging markers are very rare, which are better than the chronological age or those symptoms which have such great individual variability that their scientific value is questionable. The effect of aging on immunological behavior of human (and animal) individuals is reasonably well established. In this communication an attempt is made to find an immunological marker of aging at the level of cell surface phenomena. It was observed that ion-channel activities, having a complex regulation, loose their flexible responsiveness in lymphocyte membranes during aging. A recently discovered voltage regulation of the calcium-activated potassium channels showed a distinct change with aging of human lymphocytes. A possibility to find a better marker system in complex regulatory processes is also discussed.