Vitamins and Hormones · Jul 29, 2024
Functional properties of aged hypothalamic cells
By Masliukov PM
The hypothalamus, in addition to controlling the main body's vital functions, is also involved in aging regulation. The aging process in the hypothalamus is accompanied by disturbed intracellular pathways, including Ca²⁺ signaling and neuronal excitability in the brain. Intrinsic electrophysiological properties of individual neurons and synaptic transmission between cells is disrupted in the central nervous system of old animals. However, changes in neuronal excitability and excitation/inhibition balance with aging are specific to the type of neurons, brain region, and species. Glia-neuron interactions play a significant role in the brain and undergo remodeling accompanied by advanced loss of function with aging. In the current review, I have summarized the current understanding of the changes in the brain and especially in the hypothalamus with aging.