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. 1997 Apr;20(2):71–79. doi: 10.1007/s11357-997-0007-z

Membrane properties and lipid peroxidation in food restricted animals

C Pieri 1
PMCID: PMC3456153  PMID: 23604293

Abstract

Food restriction (FR) is a well-recognized method of extending mean and maximum longevity of rodents, but the mode of its action remains to be uncovered. This article reviews the effect of FR on the physical-chemical properties and lipid peroxidizability of cellular membranes. FR prevents the age-dependent increase in microviscosity and peroxidizability of cellular membranes. It has been suggested that a decrease in the body temperature occurring in undernourished animals may play a fundamental role in the process. Indeed, the lowering of average body temperature occurring in FR animals may induce a modification in membrane lipid composition, stimulating the cells to counteract the rigidifying effect of lower temperature. Thus, membranes are maintained in a proper functional state by a mechanism similar to that found in poikilotherm animals.

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