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Influence of age on neurotransmitter function
1Department of Pharmacodynamics, J. Hillis Miller Health Center, University of Florida, Gainesville.
Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Neurotransmitter system decline contributes to age-related endocrine changes, affecting hormones like prolactin, LH, GH, and TSH. Understanding these links is key to addressing aging endocrine function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Aging Research
- Neurotransmitter Systems
Background:
- Neurotransmitter regulation of anterior pituitary hormone secretion is complex.
- Understanding normal roles is crucial for deciphering age-related endocrine changes.
- Many causative relationships between neurotransmitter alterations and aging endocrine function remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review demonstrated relationships between neurotransmitter system function and age-associated hormone secretion changes.
- To highlight key neurotransmitter systems implicated in aging endocrine alterations.
- To identify areas for future research in neuropeptides and aging.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neurotransmitter regulation and aging endocrine function.
- Identification of well-established links between specific neurotransmitter systems and hormone changes.
- Synthesis of findings regarding dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, LHRH, and somatostatin.
Main Results:
- Declining tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) system function contributes to elevated prolactin and potentially reduced LH secretion in aging.
- Reduced hypothalamic norepinephrine turnover is linked to decreased LH and GH secretion, and possibly altered TSH secretion.
- Diminished circadian activity of serotoninergic neurons and LHRH neuron function contribute to blunted hormone rhythms and secretion.
- Increased somatostatin release in aging likely causes reduced GH secretion.
Conclusions:
- Specific neurotransmitter system dysfunctions, including TIDA, norepinephrine, serotonin, and LHRH pathways, are demonstrably linked to age-related pituitary hormone secretion changes.
- Altered somatostatin release further contributes to age-associated GH decline.
- Further research on neuropeptides is needed to fully elucidate neurotransmitter roles in aging endocrine alterations.