Age-related differences in physiology and survival of northern red-backed voles (Myodes rutilus) in captivity.

Age-related differences in physiology and survival of northern red-backed voles (Myodes rutilus) in captivity. Biogerontology. 2019 Oct 25;: Authors: Novikov EA, Kondratyuk EY, Polikarpov IA Abstract Age-related deterioration of physiological functions is one of the most evident manifestations of ageing. In wild populations of some species, including murid rodents, lifespans are substantially modified by environmental signals that affect an individual's response to such challenges as unfavourable climatic conditions, parasitic load etc. But the real impact of ageing on natural mortality of most species remains obscure. To clarify how age affects the responsiveness of organisms to environmental challenges, we performed longitudinal laboratory observations of wild-derived northern red-backed voles (Myodes rutilus). We fixed individual longevity and measured metabolic indexes (basal and maximal metabolic rates), ability to maintain body temperature under acute cooling, plasma corticosterone, indexes of acquired and innate immunity in the same individuals of 3-4, 6-7 and 9-10 months old. The maximum estimated lifespan was about 2 years 8 months, which is considerably older than in nature, but less than 30% of individuals passed the one-year milestone. Regardless of the intense mortality, in the first year of life, animals did not demonstrate any age-related deterioration in physiological functions, except leucocyte number. No consiste...
Source: Biogerontology - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Tags: Biogerontology Source Type: research