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Radiochromium distribution in aged rats.
Journal of the American College of Nutrition
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Aging reduces chromium (Cr) levels in tissues. Older rats showed decreased radiochromium (51Cr) retention and lower tissue 51Cr, suggesting impaired Cr transport with age.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Fragmentary studies indicate a decline in tissue chromium (Cr) levels with advancing age.
- This age-related decrease suggests altered chromium metabolism and distribution in older individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of aging on chromium (Cr) distribution and retention in rats.
- To quantify the body retention, urinary excretion, and tissue levels of radiochromium (51Cr) in young versus aged rats.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous injection of high specific activity trivalent 51Cr into young (2-month-old) and aged (9-18-month-old) male rats.
- Measurement of body retention, urinary excretion, serum (plasma), and tissue levels of 51Cr 3 days post-injection.
Main Results:
- Aged rats exhibited lower relative 51Cr body retention compared to younger rats, despite similar urinary excretion.
- Serum (plasma) 51Cr levels were higher in older rats, while most tissue 51Cr levels were lower, except for the spleen.
- Skeletal 51Cr content significantly decreased (30-85%) in aged rats, indicating altered chromium distribution.
Conclusions:
- Aging alters 51Cr distribution, characterized by decreased cellular Cr content and transport.
- The significant reduction in skeletal 51Cr suggests aging impacts extracellular chromium handling in bone.