[Effects of chronic caloric restriction on the age-associated peculiarities of explorative behaviour in rats].

Long-term caloric restriction (CR) has been reported to extend the life spans, delay the onset and decrease the incidence of a broad spectrum of age-associated diseases. However, its effect on rat explorative behaviour is still unclear. In the present study, a number of behavioural measures were continuously monitored in 3-, 12-, 24-25-, 28-29- and 35-44-month-old male Wistar rats that were fed either ad libitum or placed on a caloric restricted diet. A gradual decline in locomotor activity of the ad libitum fed rats has been determined during aging in the open field test. In the CR groups, 3-month-old rats exhibited lower levels of exploratory behavior, compared to rats on the control diet. 24-25-month-old CR rats exhibited higher levels of exploratory behaviour, compared to ad libitum fed animals of the same age. Chronic dietary restriction nullified the age-dependent decline in locomotor activity and explorative behaviour of rats.

[Age-dependent effects of flavonoids on secretory function of the rat liver].

The effects of the chamomilla recutita (1) flavonoids (chamiloflan) on bilegenesis of the adult and old white rats were investigated. Chamiloflan (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg) induced a dose-dependent increase in the bile flow and bile acid secretion in rats of both age groups. Cholesterol concentration in the liver and bile cholesterol secretion were not changed in the treated adult rats. Chamiloflan increased cholesterol bile secretion and reduced lipid content in the liver of the old rats.