Effects of high dose propranolol treatment on dopamine and norepinephrine metabolism in regions of rat brain.

The acute effects of a high dose of d,l-propranolol on the levels of homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylethylene glycol (HMPG) in rat brain regions were determined by mass fragmentography. A significant elevation of HVA was obtained in the olfactory tubercle but not in the striatum. The level of 5-HIAA was unchanged in both these regions. The level of HMPG was significantly elevated in the rest of the brain. The roles of dopamine and norepinephrine neurons and their interaction for the possible effects of propranolol in psychosis are discussed.