Adrenoceptor Function and Ageing

Introduction: The possible effect of ageing on adrenergic mechanisms has been one of the most studied of the pharmacodynamic processes affecting responsiveness to drugs in old age. Drugs may exert their primary effect by acting on the sympathetic nervous system or unwanted drug effects may be the result of perturbation of normal sympathetic nervous system function. Because of the important role of the sympathetic nervous system in drug action, it is not surprising that those interested in ageing and drug response should examine various aspects of this system.