The Gerontologist, Vol 32, Issue 5 627-633, Copyright © 1992 by The Gerontological Society of America
The role of animal models in meeting the gerontologic challenge of the 21st century
EJ Masoro
Department of Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7756.
Animal models play an important role in our quest to understand aging and
develop interventions needed for the gerontologic challenge of the 21st
century. Results from studies using the dietary restriction rodent model
are presented as an example. Dietary restriction slows aging by inhibiting
primary aging processes, by enhancing broadly protective mechanisms, or by
both. Further study should identify the mechanisms and yield a data base
for development of interventions. A threat to attaining these yields is the
growing opposition of some to this use of animals.
