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Adrenocortical function in old age: response to acute adrenocorticotropin stimulation
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Adrenal delta 4-steroid secretion remains unimpaired in elderly individuals, unlike delta 5-steroid secretion, which significantly decreases with age. This study investigated steroid hormone responses to ACTH stimulation in young and elderly subjects.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Steroidogenesis
Background:
- Aging is associated with changes in endocrine function.
- Previous studies suggested a potential decrease in adrenal steroid secretion in elderly individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in adrenal delta 4-steroid and delta 5-steroid secretion.
- To determine if ACTH stimulation reveals differences in steroidogenesis between young and elderly subjects.
- To assess the influence of estrogen therapy on these age-related changes.
Main Methods:
- Studied plasma levels of delta 5-steroids (dehydroepiandrosterone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, pregnenolone) and delta 4-steroids (cortisol, androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, progesterone).
- Administered acute ACTH stimulation to young and elderly males and females.
- Included males with prostatic carcinoma treated with estrogens for comparison.
Main Results:
- Elderly subjects showed comparable or higher plasma delta 4-steroid responses to ACTH compared to young subjects.
- Elderly subjects exhibited a significantly decreased response of plasma delta 5-steroids to ACTH stimulation.
- Estrogen treatment in elderly males did not alter this observed pattern of steroid secretion.
Conclusions:
- Adrenal delta 4-steroid secretory capacity is preserved in elderly individuals.
- Delta 5-steroid secretion is significantly diminished in the elderly population.
- The underlying mechanisms responsible for decreased delta 5-steroid secretion in aging require further investigation.