Age-related changes of exercise-induced plasma catecholamines and neuropeptide Y responses in normal human subjects

Age-related plasma noradrenaline and neuropeptide Y were evaluated in seven young (mean +/- SD, 28 +/- 3 years) and seven elderly (64 +/- 8 years) normal subjects during rest and different work loads on a cycle ergometer. In the supine and the sitting position plasma noradrenaline and neuropeptide Y were almost identical in the two groups. Plasma neuropeptide Y did not increase during exercise at 100 W for 15 min. At this load plasma noradrenaline levels were higher in the older subjects (mean +/- SEM, 0.97 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.60 +/- 0.09 ng ml-1). There was a significant correlation between plasma noradrenaline and the relative work load at 100 W (r = 0.794, P = 0.0007). At 75% of maximal work load plasma noradrenaline and neuropeptide Y were higher in the young group (1.84 +/- 0.16 vs. 1.26 +/- 0.13 ng ml-1 (noradrenaline) and 38 +/- 4 vs. 22 +/- 5 pmol l-1 (neuropeptide Y)). In the elderly group plasma neuropeptide Y did not increase during exercise and showed a tendency to fall below basal level 5 min post-exercise. It is concluded, that plasma noradrenaline does not increase more in older subjects during exercise when correcting for the generally lower physical fitness in this group compared to younger subjects, and that plasma neuropeptide Y does not increase during exercise in older subjects, suggesting an age-reduced capacity in this system.