Related Experiment Videos
Vasopressin, hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system and aging
V V Frolkis1, T Y Kvitnitskaya-Ryzhova, T A Dubiley
1Laboratory of Physiology, Institute of Gerontology Ukrainian Academy of Medical Sciences, Vyshgorodskaya str. 67, 254114 Kiev, Ukraine.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|September 18, 2004
Summary
Vasopressin (VP) levels change with aging, impacting stress responses. Despite age-related shifts, neurosecretory cells maintain protein synthesis and secretory activity, suggesting preserved function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Aging Research
- Stress Physiology
Background:
- Vasopressin (VP) plays a crucial role in physiological regulation.
- Age-related changes can affect neuroendocrine systems, including VP.
- Understanding VP's role in aging and stress is vital for understanding pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of vasopressin (VP) in age-related changes.
- To examine VP's involvement in stress reactions and pathology.
- To analyze VP system capabilities and neurosecretory cell function in aging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on vasopressin.
- Analysis of authors' own data on VP levels and neurosecretory cells.
- Ultrastructural analysis and karyometry of neurosecretory cells.
Main Results:
- VP concentration increased in blood and cerebrospinal fluid with aging.
- VP levels rose in the pituitary but fell in the hypothalamus.
- VP-ergic system capabilities under stress decreased with age, possibly due to weakened monoaminergic influences.
Conclusions:
- Aging alters vasopressin (VP) distribution and impairs VP-ergic system function under stress.
- Neurosecretory cells show preserved protein synthesis and secretory activity in old age.
- VP dysregulation may contribute to age-related pathologies and altered stress responses.