Cytochrome c oxidase deficient cells accumulate in the hippocampus and choroid plexus with age

Neurobiol Aging. 2001 Mar-Apr;22(2):265-72. doi: 10.1016/s0197-4580(00)00234-7.

Abstract

The chronological accumulation of mitochondrial dysfunction has been proposed as a potential mechanism in the physiological processes of aging. Cytochrome c oxidase deficient, succinate dehydrogenase positive muscle fibers containing high copy numbers of a mitochondrial DNA mutation are a pathological hallmark of mitochondrial DNA disorders. We show that there is an age-related increase in cytochrome c oxidase-deficient cells in both hippocampal pyramidal neurons and choroid plexus epithelial cells. We suggest that these cells contribute to the cell death and dysfunction in CNS aging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Choroid Plexus / cytology
  • Choroid Plexus / metabolism*
  • Cytochrome-c Oxidase Deficiency*
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics
  • Epithelial Cells / enzymology
  • Female
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Hippocampus / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation
  • Postmortem Changes
  • Pyramidal Cells / enzymology
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase