Changes of hormonal status in young mice by restricted caloric diet. Relation to lifespan extension. Preliminary results.

The maintainance of mice on a reduced caloric diet for 6 weeks starting from weaning time produces persistent changes in their hormonal status as reflected by differences in blood levels of gonadal and adrenal steroids. The changes might express a permanently different hypothalamic regulation. This might account for a prolongation of their life span.