Abstract
Observed to be associated with impairment of liver function in aged rats were: increased lipid peroxides in the liver and serum, diminishing hepatic glutathionc and decreases in mitochondrial respiratory activity and cytochrome content. Spontaneous failure of hepatic functions in aged animals was significantly ameliorated by the administration of cytochrome c. It is suggested that the underlying mechanism lies in the versatile ability of cytochrome c to reduce lipid peroxides, increase the hepatic glutathione content and activate mitochondrial function.
