Age-related endocrine dysfunction in nonhuman primates.

Abstract

Peculiarities of functioning of some parts of the endocrine system (the pineal gland, pancreatic gland, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis) in an aging nonhuman primate model (Papio hamadryas and Macaca mulatta) are described in this article. It has been established that basal activity of some endocrine functions (glucocorticoid, corticotropic, pancreatic, male estradiol producing) varies little with age. Other functions significantly decrease (DHEA/DHEAS-producing, pineal, testicular) or increase (male gonadotropic) with age. In contrast with basal activity, pronounced age-related changes in response to specific stimuli were detected in all endocrine functions. Old baboons and rhesus monkeys exhibited a delay of the normalization of the pituitary-testicular axis, adrenal cortex, and pancreatic gland function after their activation in response to specific stimuli, such as LHRH, CRH, ACTH, and glucose. Old monkeys also demonstrate decreased HPA axis sensitivity to glucocorticoid regulation by negative feedback and the HPT axis to inhibitory effect of prolonged administration of LHRH agonist. Age-related changes in reactions of endocrine functions in response to specific stimulating and inhibiting stimuli indicate impaired resiliency of these functions. Age-related endocrine changes perhaps play a pathophysiological role in age function disorders of hormonocompetent tissues and organs and age pathology.