Alterations in beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptor density in the cerebellum of aging rats

Abstract: The densities of β¹, and β₂-adrenergic receptors were determined in homogenates of cerebral cortex and cerebellum of rats between 3 and 14 mo of age. No change in either receptor population occurred in the cortex during this period. In the cerebellum, a 20–25% decrease in the density of β₂, receptors and a 3509% increase in the density of β₁, receptors occurred. The increase in β₁ receptors in the cerebellum may be the result of a decrease in the function of the noradrenergic projections from the locus coeruleus which synapse on cerebellar Purkinje cells.