EFFECT OF AGE ON LIPID-PEROXIDATION IN A SHORT-LIVED SPECIES OF REPTILE, CALOTES-VERSICOLOR

The lipid peroxidation potential, measured as a thiobarbituric acid-re active substance (TBA-RS) increased with advancing age in liver, brain and kidney of a short-lived species of reptile, Calotes versicolor. T he same parameter did not show a significant change in an ageing heart . The pattern of age changes in lipid peroxidation potential in this s pecies shows similarity with the findings in a majority of mammalian s pecies. While suggesting a commonality in a basic mechanism of ageing between reptiles and mammals, the results also partially support the f ree radical theory of ageing.