Mechanisms of altered hormone and neurotransmitter action during aging: the role of impaired calcium mobilization.

Abstract

Age-related changes in hormone and neurotransmitter regulation of physiological functions result from various mechanistic alterations. In many cases changes in the receptors for these agents appear to be closely linked to altered responsiveness. In other instances, receptors are unaffected by aging, and various post-receptor changes result in functional deterioration. Examples of the latter situation include stimulation of cyclic AMP production and high-affinity association of steroid receptor-hormone complexes with nuclear acceptor sites in various cell and tissue types. One of the most noteworthy post-receptor changes appears to be an impaired ability to stimulate calcium mobilization in many aged systems resulting in reductions in various biological responses. Although the processes which govern regulation of calcium fluxes vary with cell type, many such dysfunctions can be at least partially reversed if sufficient calcium can be transported to appropriate cellular sites. Thus, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms involved in impaired calcium mobilization may provide the basis for new therapeutic strategies.