Age-dependent changes of rat liver plasma membrane composition.

The chemical composition of liver plasma membrane was studied in Wistar rats aged between 3 and 24 months. Results obtained indicate a significant age-dependent positive correlation of both the protein: phospholipid and cholesterol: phospholipid ratios, whereas the protein: cholesterol ratio seems to remain unaffected. Phospholipid analysis of liver plasma membrane reveals that only the phosphatidylcholine content has a significant negative correlation with age; all other phospholipid species remain basically unchanged.