Association of lipid peroxidation during luteal regression in the rat and natural aging in the rotifer.

Lipid peroxides (LP) were measured in whole homogenates and membrane fractions from luteinized rat ovaries and in homogenates of aging rotifers. There was a significant increase in the accumulation of LP as plasma progesterone levels declined during luteal regression. Lipid peroxide levels also increased with age in rotifers. This study indicates that lipid peroxide accumulation is associated with cellular breakdown and suggests that the rat corpus luteum may be used as a mammalian aging model.