Dopamine‐Containing Cells in Sympathetic Ganglia

Abstract

Abstract In addition to noradrenaline (about 1.3–1.5 μg/g) dopamine (about 0.2 μ/g) is present in the sympathetic chains of the cat and pig. By means of a recently developed microspectro‐fluorimetric method, the cellular localization of these two catecholamines has been studied. Dopamine was found in a special type of small, intensely fluorescent cells (“SIF‐cells”) located among the adrenergic ganglion cell bodies. Most of the dopamine present in the sympathetic ganglia is probably stored in these cells.