Hepatic beta-adrenoceptor adaptation during propranolol administration is impaired in aging rats

Aging has been associated with changes in beta-adrenoceptor responses and adaptation to prolonged removal of catecholamine stimulation. We have examined the effect of chronic propranolol administration on rat hepatic membrane beta-adrenoceptor density, agonist affinity and response in young (6-7 months) and old (26-7 months) male Wistar rats. Propranolol administration via miniosmotic pumps for 7 days resulted in similar and sustained plasma propranolol levels (approximately 100 ng/ml) in old and young rats. Pretreatment beta-adrenoceptor responses to isoprenaline were significantly higher in old rats. Propranolol administration was associated with significant increases in beta-adrenoceptor response and density (Bmax) in young rats only. Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) responses to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), guanosine triphosphate (GTP), 5'-guanyl-imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p), forskolin and Mn2+ were not significantly different between young and old rats and were not affected by propranolol administration. Neither aging or propranolol administration was associated with a change in beta-adrenoceptor agonist affinity. These findings demonstrate elevated hepatic beta-adrenoceptor response and impaired hepatic beta-adrenoceptor adaptation to beta-adrenoceptor blockade in aging rats.