Human lymphocyte beta-adrenoceptor density in relation to age and hypertension.

beta-Adrenoceptor density was measured in lymphocytes from neonates and from normotensive and hypertensive adults aged from 18 to 85 years. Receptor density did not differ in young and elderly people. In normotensive but not in hypertensive people there was a peak in beta-adrenoceptor density in middle life; otherwise, receptor densities were similar in normotensive and hypertensives. Neonates had a lower lymphocyte receptor density than adults. Decreases in beta-adrenoceptor-mediated responses in old age may be due to alterations in postreceptor events.