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  • Title: Enhanced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis responses to physostigmine in normal aging.
    Author: Peskind ER, Raskind MA, Wingerson D, Pascualy M, Thal LJ, Dobie DJ, Veith RC, Dorsa DM, Murray S, Sikkema C.
    Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci; 1995 Mar; 50(2):M114-20. PubMed ID: 7874590.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of normal human aging on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis response to the centrally active cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine. This drug stimulates the HPA axis at a suprapituitary level by increasing central nervous system (CNS) cholinergic activity. METHODS: Plasma ACTH, beta-endorphin (beta E) and cortisol responses to a 10-minute infusion of physostigmine (.0125 mg/kg) were compared between groups of 10 normal older subjects (71 +/- 2 years [mean +/- SEM]) and 9 normal young subjects (27 +/- 2 years). Plasma physostigmine concentrations were measured to assess the comparability of the pharmacologic stimulus between groups. RESULTS: Endocrine responses were substantially greater in older subjects than young subjects for ACTH (p < .01), beta E (p < .01) and cortisol (p < .01). Plasma physostigmine concentrations did not differ between older and young subjects. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated increased HPA axis responsivity to a CNS cholinergic stimulus in normal human aging.
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