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[Neuroendocrinological aspects of aging]
1Afdeling Endocrinologie, Universitair Ziekenhuis, Universiteit Gent.
Verhandelingen - Koninklijke Academie Voor Geneeskunde Van Belgie
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Aging significantly alters hormone production and secretion due to changes in both endocrine glands and neuro-endocrine centers. Key hormonal changes include reduced androgens, altered testosterone rhythms, and decreased growth hormone secretion, impacting overall aging physiology.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Hormone production and secretion undergo significant changes with aging.
- These changes stem from alterations in peripheral endocrine glands and central neuro-endocrine regulatory centers.
- Understanding these age-related hormonal shifts is crucial for addressing physiological decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifaceted changes in hormone production and secretion during the aging process.
- To differentiate between peripheral and central contributions to age-related endocrine dysfunction.
- To explore the implications of these hormonal changes on overall health and well-being in aging individuals.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of age-related changes in hormone levels (e.g., testosterone, DHEAS, cortisol, growth hormone).
- Investigation of the functional status of endocrine glands (e.g., testes, adrenal cortex) and neuro-endocrine centers (e.g., hypothalamo-hypophysis).
- Assessment of feedback mechanisms and receptor sensitivity in aging models.
Main Results:
- Reduced androgen secretion and spermatogenesis in males due to testicular changes and hypothalamo-hypophyseal dysfunction.
- Altered circadian rhythms and lower plasma levels of testosterone, indicating a lower gonadostat set-point.
- Age-related decline in adrenal androgen secretion (DHEAS) and diminished response to ACTH.
- Stable cortisol secretion but reduced feedback sensitivity in the brain (hippocampus) due to decreased corticoid receptors.
- Significantly reduced growth hormone secretion in the elderly, primarily due to increased hypothalamic somatostatin secretion.
Conclusions:
- Aging involves complex endocrine alterations affecting multiple hormone systems.
- Both peripheral gland function and central neuro-endocrine regulation contribute to hormonal changes in aging.
- Understanding these mechanisms, including "neurohumoral hysteresis," is vital for potential interventions in age-related diseases.