THE FREE-RADICAL THEORY OF AGING AND A LOOK AT CHANGES IN THE HYPOTHALAMUS

According to the free radical theory, aging is caused by the damaging effects of oxygen radicals. These agents are produced continuously and they become toxic when their intra-cellular levels become elevated. A lthough well-known far the damage they cause, recent studies indicate that free radicals may also have a beneficial side regulating some of the processes within a cell. With aging, however, it seems that the ab ility to control endogenous concentrations declines, and rising levels become progressively more harmful. In addition to the primary changes , the effects of free radical damage should also be examined at the se condary level. Because of its importance in regulating homeostatic mec hanisms, it is possible that in this regard the hypothalamus may play a crucial role in the aging process. Progressive loss of function in t his centre may lead to systemic changes which cause widespread disrupt ion throughout the organism.