AGE-CHANGES IN THE LUNGS: POTENTIAL FOR ANTI-AGING REHABILITATION MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The lecture focuses on age-changes in the lungs, their clinical consequences, and the physical rehabilitation strategies which could potentially slow down the process of respiratory health deterioration in old age. Lung aging is a complex process involving genetic, environmental, and life style factors. Structural age-changes in lung parenchyma consist of declines in lung surface area, supporting lung tissue, and consequently in the amount of air in terminal bronchioles. Pulmonary surfactant is essential for maintaining lung function. In an ultrastructural study we found that that the surfactant-producing lamellar bodies of type II pneumocytes and tubular myelin unfolding from the lamellar bodies degenerate in the lungs of senescent, but otherwise healthy, rats. There are gaps and blebs inside the lamellar bodies and cellular debris protruding into the airspace. The extracellular epithelial lining layer is made up of membranous entities chaotically strewn about, instead of regularly shaped tubular myelin mesh forming a solid layer integrated with the plasma membrane of type II cells, so characteristic of young lungs. Surfactant dysfunction in senescence may have an impact on gas exchange and susceptibility for infection in old age.