Abstract
The results presented here show that there is an increase in calcium uptake in the cells of the rotifer Asplanchna brightwelli as it ages. The results further show that the 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker nifedipine prevents this age-related increase in calcium uptake when administered to rotifers at a concentration of 1.0 μM. A range of nifedipine concentrations from 0.1 μM to 5.0 μM significantly increased rotifer lifespan. Thus, prevention of an age-associated increase in calcium uptake is correlated with increased lifespan in rotifers. These findings suggest that there is an age-related decline in calcium homeostasis, and support the theory that calcium ion regulation is a vital factor in aging rotifer tissues.
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McTavish, A., Sawada, M. & Enesco, H.E. Nifedipine influences rotifer lifespan: Studies on the calcium theory of aging. AGE 13, 65–71 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02432392
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02432392