Models of the biological age of the rat. II. Multiple regression models in the study on influencing aging.

The study of influences on multicellular aging requires mathematical models of biological age (BA) as a standard against which deviations from "normal aging" can be measured. A long-term cohort study with initially 1100 male Sprague-Dawley rats served to establish multiple regression models of BA and to test the effects of fast days, physical training, a combination of fast days plus physical training, and the long-term action of subcutaneously applied lyophilized heterologous fetal testis material. All influences started after the attainment of maturity. The models were calculated on the basis of an exponential decrease in vitality during senescence. Twenty-three parameters from a total number of 42 were selected for a general model. By means of a factor analysis, the general model was subdivided into five factor models of BA to distinguish between primary and various types of secondary aging changes. All experimental conditions showed clearly detectable but not dramatic effects on the general model of BA in the sense of a revitalizaion. The most pronounced effect was found in the group pretreated with testis lyophilisate. The results obtained with the factor models suggest that this effect might be due to influences on primary aging as well as on some secondary changes.