The age-related loss of the D2 dopamine receptor is considered a very
robust biomarker of aging.
Ann Neurol. 1998 Jul;44(1):143-7. Related Articles, Links
Parallel loss of presynaptic and postsynaptic dopamine markers in
normal aging.
Volkow ND, Wang GJ, Fowler JS, Ding YS, Gur RC, Gatley J, Logan J,
Moberg PJ, Hitzemann R, Smith G, Pappas N.
Medical Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973,
USA.
Aging of the human brain is associated with a decline in dopamine (DA)
function, generally interpreted as reflecting DA cell loss. Positron
emission tomography studies revealed that in healthy individuals, the
age-related losses in DA transporters (presynaptic marker) were
associated with losses in D2 receptors (postsynaptic marker) rather
than with increases as is known to occur with DA cell loss. This
association was specific for DA synaptic markers, because they were
not correlated with striatal metabolism. Furthermore, the association
was independent of age, suggesting that a common mechanism regulates
the expression of receptors and transporters irrespective of age.
Publication Types:
Clinical Trial
PMID: 9667606 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9
014455&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7
777135&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2
381502&dopt=Abstract
Tim
Ignoramus5568 - 17 Mar 2004 23:51 GMT
> The age-related loss of the D2 dopamine receptor is considered a very
> robust biomarker of aging.
I wonder if loss of dopamine accounts for less full perception of
life as people age. When I was a kid, grass was greener, sun was
brighter, etc.
i