Measurement of Telomere Length in Rat Endothelial Cells: Modification of a Technique Used in Human Mononuclear Cells

Abstract

Background and significance: The rapidly aging population increases the incidence of age-related disease. Biological age can be accelerated by factors, such as smoking and poor diet. Telomeres, which cap ends of chromosomes, are markers of biological aging. Critically short telomeres induce cellular replicative senescence. Senescent cells are not capable of regeneration and are associated with many human age-related diseases; therefore, it is beneficial to develop a related assay for use in aging rat models. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop an assay to measure telomere length in rat cells as a marker of biological age. Methods and results: This study was performed using endothelial cells from the lungs of young (3 month) and old (24 month) Fischer 344 rats at PD4 and PD3, respectively. Telomere length in young rat cells was longer compared to old rats (p < 0.05; Students t --test). Cells from were then cultured sequentially to age cells and the modified protocol was again employed. Analysis by two-way ANOVA of telomere length showed significant differences (p < 0.01) between rat age, extent of sequential sub-culturing, and interaction effects. These results support successful modification a human telomere length assay for use in aging rat studies.