Selective alteration of DNA fragmentation and caspase activity in the spinal cord of aged rats and effect of dietary restriction.

Age-related alterations in CNS may preferentially affect spinal cord. We report here that in spinal cord of aged (30-month-old) rats, a significant increase of DNA fragmentation accompanied by an increased activity of caspase-1, but not of caspase-3, can be measured. The increase in caspase-1 activation, but not the increased level of DNA fragmentation, was substantially reverted by long-lasting dietary restriction.