Noradrenergic receptor function and aging: beyond the binding.
Quantitative studies of noradrenergic binding sites with aging probably underestimate the functional alterations in this, and other, central synaptic systems. Transmitters like norepinephrine, whose actions are based on amplification and interaction of interneuronal signalling capacity, rely on interactions among receptor subtypes for their complete effect. Thus, slight losses of one or both receptor subtypes with normal aging may have far more devastating effects.
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Division of Preclinical Neuroscience and Endocrinology, Research Institute of Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA 92037.
D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000502:physiology; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000502:physiology
D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D009638:Norepinephrine