In this study, we tested the hypothesis that, in the male Fischer 344 x Brown Norway (F344xBN) rat, aging would be associated with an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity and a decrease in skeletal muscle beta-adrenergic-receptor (beta-AR) density and function. Radioligand-binding studies using [125I] iodocyanopindolol were done to evaluate beta-AR density (Bmax) and antagonist-binding affinity in gastrocnemius and cardiac muscle from 6-, 18-, and 28-mo-old male F344xBN rats. beta-AR function was measured as adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity stimulated by the beta-AR agonist isoproterenol (Iso, 10(-4) M). Basal arterial plasma norepinephrine (pNE) concentrations were higher in the 28-than in the 6- and 18-mo-old rats. Bmax was greatest and Iso-stimulated AC activity was unchanged in gastrocnemius muscle of the 28-mo-old age group. In contrast, there was an age-associated decrease in Bmax and Iso-stimulated AC activity in cardiac muscle. In conclusion, there was an age-associated increase in pNE concentrations in male F344xBN rats, suggesting an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity. In addition, there was an age-associated increase in skeletal muscle beta-AR density, whereas in skeletal muscle beta-AR-stimulated AC activity remained unchanged with age.