[Age-related features of the effects of alpha- and beta-adrenomimetics on the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal glands].

In vitro effect of alpha-adrenomimetic naphtizin (0.1 mM X 1(-1) and beta-adrenomimetic isoproterenol (10 mcM X 1(-1) on the basal and ACTH-stimulated (10 U X 1(-1) production of II-oxoketosteroids (II-OKS) by isolated adrenals (IA) was studied in adult (6 mo) and old (28 mo) male rats. Naphtizin increased ACTH-stimulated secretion of II-OKS by IA of adult rats, but had no effect on the above secretion of old rats. Isoproterenol enhanced basal secretion of II-OKS by adult IA. No such effect on IA was found in old rats. There was no additive effect of isoproterenol on ACTH-stimulated II-OKS secretion by IA in both age groups.