title: The effect of donor age on human fibroblast beta-adrenergic receptor response and agonist-induced desensitization.
abstract: Aging has been associated with changes in beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-receptor) function in several tissues. The relative contribution of cellular aging and age-related changes in homeostatic regulation of receptor function is unknown. We have examined beta-receptor function in fibroblasts of young and old donors (young: mean age 31.2 +/- 0.8 years +/- S.E., n = 6; old: mean age 81.8 +/- 0.6 years +/- S.E., n = 6). Beta-receptor responses to isoproterenol (ISO), (1 microM) were similar in the two groups. The concentration of ISO required for 50% maximal beta-receptor-mediated cyclic AMP production (EC50) was similar in both groups. Fibroblast beta-receptor density was also similar in young and old groups. ISO-induced beta-receptor desensitization was both dose- and time-dependent. Submaximal desensitization by acute exposure (30 min) to ISO (1 mM) caused similar levels of beta-receptor desensitization in young (42.5 +/- 2.5%) and old (42.8 +/- 2.8%) groups and a similar increase in ISO EC50. These findings demonstrate that aging in vivo does not cause changes in fibroblast beta-receptor regulation that are retained in culture.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland, Dublin.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Conlon
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: O'Malley
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Kilfeather
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007545:Isoproterenol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D007545:Isoproterenol