Assessment of DNA-protein crosslinks in the course of aging in two mouse strains by use of a modified alkaline filter elution applied to whole tissuesamples

Two different mouse strains have been used for determination of age depende nce of DNA-protein crosslinks by alkaline filter elution: a long lived labo ratory strain, NMRI and an accelerated senescence-prone, short lived strain , SAMP1. Five organs were selected: Brain, kidney, lung, heart and liver. R emarkably in all five organs of short lived SAMP1 mice crosslinks increased significantly with age. In NMRI however only in brain and heart a signific ant rise in old age has been observed, while in the other organs there was no increase in DNA-protein crosslinking. Appreciable mitotic activity which is lacking in brain and heart could be the reason for this difference. Poo r repair in all five organs could be an important component for the multipl e ailments and shortened life span in SAMP1 mice. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.