Naked mole-rats are extremely long-lived (>38 years) small (35-60g) rodents that show no increased risk of dying as they get older, implying that organ function is well-maintained throughout life. Using cardiac MRI, ultrasound and large cohorts of both mice and mole-rats we undertook a comprehensive comparative analysis of age-related changes in cardiovascular function over their lifespans. Unlike mice that show declines in most measurements of cardiac function and increased left ventricle wall thickness with age, we found naked mole-rats maintain cardiac function and functional cardiac reserve capacity well into their fourth decade of life.
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