Stress and Aging*

A bstract The experimental “aging” exemplified in the progeria‐like syndrome (induced by dihydrotachysterol, DHT, in rats) is not the cause but the consequence of disturbed calcium metabolism. Certain anabolic steroids can prevent the loss of body weight (protein) and the abnormal tissue calcification. Moreover, steroidal substances designated “catatoxic” have been found to play a role in adaptive reactions, particularly the maintenance of resistance to stress. Thus the anti‐DHT effect of the steroids is not due to their antimineralocorticoid or anabolic action, but to their catatoxic (antitoxic) potency. An experimental biochemical disease model—the “Electrolyte‐Steroid‐Cardiopathy with Necrosis” (ESCN)—was developed to demonstrate a typical pluricausal disease in which several factors operate conjointly to produce a lesion. Glucomineralo‐corticoids plus sodium salts were outstanding factors in the production of cardiac necrosis. This experimental necrosis could be prevented by KCl or MgCl 2 . However, oral administration of KCl has many drawbacks for the prophylaxis or treatment of myocardial infarction; more convenient and lasting methods of providing potassium are needed. Certain catatoxic steroids also were found to be efficacious in preventing ESCN. These data may eventually help in finding ways to combat spontaneous aging. Aging has no specific cause. Body hormones and numerous other factors play decisive roles.