Occurrence and Localization of Catechol Amines in the Human Brain

Abstract

Abstract B ertler Å., Occurrence and localization of catechol amines in the human brain. The content of noradrenaline, dopamine and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) in various structures of the human brain has been investigated. Noradrenaline in rather high concentrations was found in the anterior and middle portion of the hypothalamus, and lower levels were recorded in structures of the mesencephalon and the floor of the 4th ventricle. Dopamine showed a very strict localization to structures which are involved in the extra‐pyramidal system, i. e. the basal ganglia and the substantia nigra suggesting that it may be involved in the function of this system. Relatively high concentrations of 5‐HT were found in the hypothalamus, the medulla oblongata, the corpus striatum and the thalamus.