Abstract
In the present paper we report that 3, 4 dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) in guinea pig brain can be easily separated by Duolite C-25 resin column and measured fluorimetrically. Using the present method, the quantitative assays of these catechol compounds were carried out in brain of guinea pigs treated with reserpine. It has been well known that catecholamines (CA) such as NA and DA are formed even in brain tissue and peripheral sympathetic nervous tissue besides in adrenal grand (1-3). We have also demonstrated CA were synthesized from DOPA in guinea pig brain and investigated intracellular localization of the enzyme activities related to the formation of CA. The activities of enzyme related to the formation and inactivation of CA in brain of guinea pigs were activated by the intraperitoneal injections of reserpine. It is suggested that the action of reserpine is not only limited to its releasing action (4-6) but also it has a dynamic effect on the enzym systems.
