Effects of chronic administration of cytidine-5′-diphosphate choline (CDP choline) on the aged female mouse Harderian gland

 The effect of chronic intake of cytidine-5′-diphosphate choline (CDP choline), a precursor of the membrane lipid phosphatidylcholine, was analyzed in secretory cells of the Harderian gland (HG) of aged (26-month-old) female Swiss mice. These mice were treated with the drug from 12 months of age until they were 26 months old. The results obtained were compared with those of an age-matched control group and another adult (12-month-old) control group. In both control groups, the HGs displayed secretory tubules formed by a single squamous epithelium of lipid-secreting cells. The tubule lumens were occupied by numerous small pleomorphic porphyrin accretions. In contrast, the tubules of the CDP-choline-treated animals consisted of a single columnar epithelium, with lipid-secreting cells filled with lipid vacuoles. The most striking feature in the HGs of the CDP-choline group was the absence of prophyrin deposits. These observations indicate that porphyrin biosynthesis in female Swiss mice is maintained even in very old animals, and that chronic administration of CDP choline prevents porphyrin deposition in the HG of aged animals. Accepted: 1 August 1996