Microfluorimetric quantitation of catecholamine turnover in the sympathetic neurons of rat.

The quantitative aspects of the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence and the turnover of catecholamines in the sympathetic neuronal perikaryon of different sympathetic ganglia were studied after a blockade of the amine synthesis with alpha-methyltyrosine. The concentration of catecholamines was determined by microfluorimetric quantitation method. The half-life of catecholamines in sympathetic neuronal perikarya was short and depended on the ganglion studied. The turnover rate of catecholamines in sympathetic neurons was highest in superior cervical and lowest in coeliac ganglion. Brightly fluorescent fibers were still seen five hours after the amine synthesis blockade, whereas almost all cell bodies had lost their fluorescence. Also small intensely fluorescent cells were still brightly fluorescent after the follow-up period. Microfluorimetrically determined turnover of catecholamines gave more detailed information about the turnover of catecholamines in sympathetic nervous system when compared to the biochemical methods used earlier.