2/4/06

Younger than springtime are we

Tri-O's oddities, observations, and opinions
by Herb Kandel


You wouldn’t think it to look at me that I am only 10 years old, or thereabouts . But it’s a fact. And you, yes even YOU, who may be “middle-aged” according to calendar years, may be my age too. Think about it: most of your body tissues constantly die out then are discarded as new ones are being generated. There is a new method of estimating the age of human cells put forth by Jonas Frisen and colleagues. Dr. Frisen, is a stem cell biologist at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.
They believe, as reported in the July 15, 2005 issue of “Cell”, the average age of all the cells in an adult's body may turn out to be as young as 7 to 10 years . They also concluded all body cells have a different life span. For example: cells from the surface lining of the intestines last for about five days while those of the inner part are close to 16 years, red blood cells are only here for three months, the surface layer of the skin lasts only two weeks, and liver cells live from 300 to 500 days.
The Karolinska team used radioactive carbon dating to determine cell longevity. This method was the result of above ground nuclear testing that was used until 1963. Emissions that was released into the atmosphere entered the food chain ( they were absorbed by plants, then eaten by animals and later humans). We are what we glow, so to speak.
The controversial part came when they examined the brain cells in the cerebral cortex. The brain is a collection of about 10 billion interconnected neurons. The most accepted theory had been that we are born with all the neurons we will ever have except the part that controls the sense of smell, and where initial memories of faces and places are stored.
This concept was questioned a few years ago by scientists who reported finding new neurons being generated. It looks, so far, that the Karolinska team is right, but cells of the cerebellum match the idea that it continues developing after birth and that each day’s memories may be recorded in the newly formed neurons. So this means that we really may be able to change our minds with new neuron entries in the cerebellum but hang on to our old original neurons in the cortex. I presume that’s why we can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but Fido will remember that you tried to.
Bone cells too are now thought to be replaced about every 10 years. So, in principle, you can go out every decade on Halloween rattling a version of your own skeleton.
With Valentine’s day approaching think of the regenerating heart. Conventional wisdom says that we never generates new heart muscle cells after birth but Dr. Frisen claims it does. So when someone has a “change of heart” they may also be anatomically correct.
Consider, if the only “lifetime” cell warranty that we get when we are born , using current knowledge, are the neurons of the cerebral cortex, and perhaps the muscle cells of the heart, why aren’t we perpetually young because of all the constantly renewing body tissues instead of “being” our birth age??
Well, two theories say that the DNA mutates and degrades with succeeding generations, and a third says the stem cells eventually weaken as they age. Research continues.
Over the years there have been many attempts to stop the aging process. In 1932 there was a machine patented that by the use of magnetism, radio waves, infra-red and ultra-violet rays claimed to reverse the aging process. The patient was placed full body into it with only the head outside the chamber. The chamber resembled an iron lung. In my mind eye I imagine that the only after effect to the patients would be that all metallic objects were instantly attracted to them when entering a room (talk about magnetic personality!!).
In 1918 a “Dr.” Brinkley injected goat’s glands into men eager to regain virility at $750 a pop, and as many as 500 would be Casanovas a day lined up at his Milford, Kansas clinic. To this I say, “Baa, baa, humbug”.
Alas, try as we may to find The Fountain of Youth, one has only to look into the mirror, contemplate the myriad of frolicking cells bubbling about in their regenerative process, realize that each moment some part of us is being reborn, and rejoice.
Now, if you excuse me I have to send in my AARP renewal and read my latest edition of “Elderhostel”, even though it might be fraudulent in accordance to my cell age.





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