# AGE RELATED CHANGES IN PROTEIN AND WATER DISTRIBUTION

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY · 1991 · $120,931

## Abstract

Age related changes in connective tissue ECM will affect macromolecular
transport and matrix fluid balance.  However, there is little data on
changes in protein and water transport during aging.  This lack of data is
a major gap in the aging data base which must be filled in order to test
many modern theories of aging.  Using new techniques, we have demonstrated
that perivascular protein gradients exist, and are of sufficient magnitude
to affect Starling equilibrium.  Theoretical analyses show that these
gradients are determined by transport parameters of the interstitial
matrix.  Possible age-related mechanisms for perivascular gradients are:
(i) variations in protein mobility due to matrix, and (ii) opposition to
anionic protein movement by the polyanionic matrix.  Fischer 344 rats will
be studied at ages of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 days.  Three
experimental interventions will be used:  volume loading, albumin loading,
and salt loading.  Two measurement protocols will quantify age-related ECM
biochemical changes.  First, In situ biochemical microscopy of rat
mesenteric microvasculature is used to measure (i) perivascular protein,
water and collagen distribution.  Second, direct sampling and biochemical
analysis of rat mesenteric buttons, gracilis muscle and skin will be used
to measure:  (i) tissue and plasma total protein, albumin, and globulin
content; (ii) tissue hydration; (iii) total, soluble and insoluble collagen
content, glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronan concentrations; (iv) Na+, K+,
C1-, and Ca++.  These measurements will test specific hypotheses and
provide insight concerning the general hypothesis that aging is accompanied
by changes in ECM structure and protein transport.  There is extensive data
showing that ECM changes are occurring during aging; there is abundant
evidence indicating that macromolecular transport is determined by ECM;
therefore, it is essential to determine whether protein distribution is
changing with age.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3122214
- **Project number:** 1R01AG010257-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** H1HYA8Z1NTM5
- **Principal Investigator:** B J BARBER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1991
- **Award amount:** $120,931
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1991-06-01 → 1994-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3122214

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3122214, AGE RELATED CHANGES IN PROTEIN AND WATER DISTRIBUTION (1R01AG010257-01). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3122214. Licensed CC0.

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