Age-related impairment in rat parotid cell α₁-adrenergic action at the level of inositol trisphosphate responsiveness

α₁-Adrenergic-stimulated calcium efflux from rat parotid cell aggregates declines approx. 40% between 3 and 24 months of age, with the bulk of the reduction occurring between 12 and 24 months. Intracellular free calcium levels following α₁-adrenoceptor stimulation are also reduced about 40% between 3 and 24 months. No significant age differences in stimulation of inositol mono-, bis- or trisphosphate production are observed. However, the ability of inositol trisphosphate to directly stimulate calcium efflux is reduced by about 50% with increasing age. Concentrations of this inositol phosphate required for maximal calcium release do not change between 3 and 24 months. Differences in response are not due to a reduction in uptake of inositol trisphosphate into older cells, but suggest an age-related defect in the ability of inositol trisphosphate to liberate calcium from intracellular stores. Such dysfunction may be at least partially responsible for impaired α₁-adrenergic responsiveness during aging.