The LOU/c/jall rat as an animal model of healthy aging?

Abstract

We propose the LOU/c/jall rat as a possible model for research into aging. Physiological and behavioral data have been collected over the past 5 years, using lifelong and cross-sectional studies. The median life span of the rats was 29 months in males and 33-34 months in females. A low level of body fat throughout life was observed in both sexes. Basic phenomena of aging such as body weight loss, decrease in caloric intake, and dramatic drop in protein selection were noted from the age of 18 months in males and 28 months in females. A decline in muscle mass, depending on the sex and the type of muscle, was seen. These data allowed us to demonstrate physiological aging in male and female LOU/c/jall rats. The most interesting characteristics of this strain of rat for aging studies are longevity, and the absence of obesity and of severe pathologies. Further studies are required in order to confirm this last point. © Oxford University Press 2002.