Age-related effects of bromocriptine on sensory gating in rhesus monkeys

Neuroreport. 2005 Apr 25;16(6):603-6. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200504250-00017.

Abstract

Declines in dopamine neurotransmission are a robust characteristic of the process of normal aging. Using neuroimaging, biochemical and cognitive methods, age-related reduction of D2 receptor has been noted in a wide range of species. On the other hand, it is well known that dopamine plays a crucial role in the modulation of sensory gating. Here, we examined age-related alterations of D2 receptor in rhesus monkeys, using a sensory gating paradigm. The direct D2 receptor agonist, bromocriptine, was characterized in young adult and aged monkeys. We found bromocriptine disrupted sensory gating in young adult monkeys but not in aged ones. Our results provided new evidence that there is a functional decline of D2 receptor in aged monkeys.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Bromocriptine / pharmacology*
  • Dopamine Agonists / pharmacology*
  • Electroencephalography / drug effects
  • Female
  • Limbic System / cytology
  • Limbic System / drug effects
  • Limbic System / physiology
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Neurons, Afferent / drug effects*
  • Neurons, Afferent / physiology*
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / metabolism

Substances

  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2
  • Bromocriptine