Abstract
Aging changes were examined in Drosophila melanogaster. Lifespan was determined in two strains of male and female Drosophila raised at 19°, 24°, and 29° C. The results show an inverse relationship between lifespan and temperature. In addition, lipid peroxidation rates and superoxide dismutase activity were measured in homogenates and phospholipase A 2 activity was determined in crude membrane samples prepared from this species. Temperature was found to be directly correlated with the rate of lipid peroxidation in each group. The longest-lived group, wild-type females, exhibited the lowest rate of lipid peroxidation at each temperature; whereas the shortest-lived group, vestigial wing males, displayed the highest rates of lipid peroxidation. Older (40–53 day) vestigial wing males also exhibited significantly higher superoxide dismutase activity than younger vestigial wing males (0–5 day) and higher phospholipase A 2 activity than wild-type females of the same age. These results indicate that there is an association between lipid peroxidation rates and lifespan in Drosophila, and that aging changes may include an increase in superoxide dismutase and phospholipase A 2 activity. These findings agree with the hypothesis that free radicals are involved in the aging process in Drosophila.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.