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Effect of aging on monoamines and their metabolites in the rat brain

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Abstract

Concentrations of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT) and their acid merabolites were assayed in specific brain areas of Wistar rats of various ages. DA and its metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were significantly lower in striatum and mesolimbic areas of old (24 mos) rats than young adult (3 mos), but not mature (12 mos) rats. The decrease of homovanillic acid (HVA) was significant in mesolimbic areas but not in striatum. Neither cortical NE nor its metabolite methoxydroxyphenylglycol sulphate (MHPG-SO4) were significantly changed by aging. 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the brainstem showed a tendency to a decrease and increase respectively in aged animals compared with young adults, but the differences were not statistically significant. However, the ratio of 5-HIAA to 5-HT concentrations was significantly higher in aged animals. The conclusion can be drawn that, in these brain areas, DA is more vulnerable to aging than NE and 5-HT, the metabolism of the latter being even enhanced.

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  1. Farmitalia Carlo Erba Research Center, via Giovanni XXIII 23, 20014, Nerviano, Italy

    A. Moretti, N. Carfagna & F. Trunzo

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  3. F. Trunzo
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Moretti, A., Carfagna, N. & Trunzo, F. Effect of aging on monoamines and their metabolites in the rat brain. Neurochem Res 12, 1035–1039 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00970933

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