Biochemical and Behavioral Analysis of Aging in Wistar Rats: A Longitudinal Case Study

Aging processes involve complex physiological and behavioral changes that require systematic investigation. This study examined biochemical and behavioral alterations in male Wistar rats during the transition from youth to maturity. Five healthy male Wistar rats were monitored longitudinally from 12 weeks (youth) to 24 weeks (maturity) in controlled laboratory conditions. Primary outcomes included HDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and plasma glucose levels. Secondary outcomes assessed rearing behavior and locomotion patterns. Mature rats showed significantly decreased HDL cholesterol (2.3±0.6 vs 25.9±4.5 mg/dL), increased non-HDL cholesterol (83.2±24.5 mg/dL), and elevated triglycerides (311.4±84.8 mg/dL) compared to young rats. Plasma glucose remained unchanged. Rearing behavior significantly decreased in mature rats (9.6±7.5 vs 29±9.8 events), while locomotion was unaffected. The study demonstrates significant age-related biochemical and behavioral changes in Wistar rats, providing valuable insights for biomedical research and animal welfare considerations.