title: Alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor function in the brain during senescence.
abstract: Alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors and their second messengers play an important role in brain neurotransmission. Changes in receptor function with age may be involved in the age-related changes in arousal, mood and memory. The predominance of data indicates there is decreased beta-adrenergic receptors in all areas of the brain with the exception of the cortex. Evidence suggests a decreased rate of receptor synthesis may be contributing to this loss of receptors with age. Alpha-adrenergic receptor synthesis is also diminished with age. The modulation of receptor concentrations by hormonal factors is impaired with age, especially the time to recover from receptor down-regulation.
authors.affiliation: Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Sepulveda VA Medical Center, CA 91343.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Scarpace
authors.forename: I B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Abrass
mesh_terms: D000262:Adenylyl Cyclases / Q000378:metabolism; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000502:physiology*; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D000262:Adenylyl Cyclases