Alterations in histones of the liver and oviduct of Japanese quail during aging.

Age-related changes occur in histones of the liver and oviduct of the female quail. In the liver an extra histone band, named HCX, between H2A and H4, is observed that increases with age. In the oviduct, a large complex of histones is seen which is tissue-specific. This complex declines with increasing age. The changes in the histones of the oviduct of adult and old birds in response to estradiol and progesterone are age-related. In the adult, the histone-complex increases after administration of either one of the hormones. In old birds, however, it is seen only after progesterone administration. Thus, the alterations in histones in the birds are not only tissue- and age-related, but also vary in response to steroid hormones.