Central Neurotransmitter Substances and Aging: A Review

Abstract

Available evidence suggests that age is an important determinant of the levels of neurotransmitters and their associated enzymes and metabolities in some regions of the brain. Alterations at the synaptic level, selective cell death in the brain or both may be implicated in progressive loss of function, behavioral changes and the onset of age-related diseases. Stimulation of hypothalamic neuroendocrine transducer cells by agents that alter neurotransmitter metabolism might provide some measure of control of the process of aging [in man].