<b>Aging changes of Macromolecular Synthesis in the Avian and Mammalian Eyes as Revealed by Microscopic Radioautography</b>

Nagata T. Aging Changes of Macromolecular Synthesis in the Avian and Mammalian Eyes as Revealed by Microscopic Radioautography. ARBS Annu Rev Biomed Sci 2006;8:33-67. In order to elucidate the aging changes of macromolecular synthesis such as DNA, RNA, proteins and glucides in various organ systems of experimental animals and men, we have studied various organs such as the skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, circulatory, nervous and sensory systems after incorporations with radiolabeled macromolecular precursors by light and electron microscopic radioautography. This review deals with the results obtained from the avian and mammalian eyeballs. The experimental animals mainly used were chicken embryos during incubation for 1-7 days and strain mice at various aging groups from embryo to postnatal juvenile 1 and 3 days, 1 and 2 weeks, mature 1, 2 and 6 months up to 1 and 2 years at senescent stages. The animals were injected with such macromolecular precursors as 3 H-thymidine for DNA, 3 H-uridine for RNA, 3 H-amino acids for proteins, 3 H-glucose, 3 H-glucosamine and 35 S-sulfate for glucides. The results demonstrated that these precursors were incorporated into various ocular cells and tissues at various aging groups from perinatal to juvenile, mature and senescent stages showing specific patterns of macromolecular synthesis. It is concluded that the difference of macromolecular syntheses during development and aging changes were demonstrated. © by Sao Paulo State University - ISSN 1806-8774