Physiological, metabolic and running characteristics of senescent female hamsters

Metabolic, endocrine and biochemical variables of female hamsters were studied to define age-related alterations in their characteristics. Endurance performance, aerobic capacity and metabolic fuels and hormones were measured and compared in young-adult (2-3 months) and old (16-17 months) hamsters to determine if the storage of substrates used in endurance exercise is altered with age, and if so, its effect on performance. The results indicate that storage of metabolic fuels are not appreciably altered with age, although voluntary running is markedly reduced. Other factors are likely involved in the hypoactivity of senescent female hamsters.