Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Hyperactivity in Human Aging Is Partially Refractory to Stimulation by Mineralocorticoid Receptor Blockade

Abstract

1) Evening-time ACTH and cortisol secretion in elderly subjects is higher than in young subjects; 2) ACTH and cortisol secretion in elderly subjects is enhanced by CAN but less than that in young subjects; and 3) DHEA hyposecretion in elderly subjects is partially restored by mineralocorticoid antagonism. Age-related variations of HPA activity may be determined by some derangement in mineralocorticoid receptors function at the hippocampal level.