| Objective The present investigation was designed to explore the difference of mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) deletions and the change of mitochondrial morphometry with aging. The aim was to demonstrate relative relation between oxidative damage of mitochondria and aging.Methods (1) Wistar rats were divided into three groups, namely young rats(3months), middle rats(6-12months)and aged rats(>24months). Retina mtDNA deletions were determined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 135 rats . (2) Electron microscope was used to observe the change of retina ultrastructure in 24rats, and mitochondrial injury was assessed by morphologic score.Results (1) We could not find mtDNA deletions in young rats but found deletions of mtDNA in the middle and aged rats; There were significant difference between middle group and aged group in the expression of retina mtDNA deletions (P<0.05). (2) There were significant difference between middle group and aged group in the mitochondrial morphometry of retina(P<0.05). The surface density , volume density of mitochondrial profilean and mean profile area significantly changed compared among three groups(P<0.05).Conclusions (1) Our results indicate that the mtDNA deletions and the mitochondrial morphometry of retina change with aging in rats. (2) The expression of retina mtDNA deletions and the injury of mitochondrial morphometry increase with aging. |
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