Effect of three anorectic drugs on central catecholamine levels and synthesis in the Zucker rat.

1. Genetically obese Zucker rats and their lean littermates were treated during 5 days with fenfluramine, mazindol or amphetamine. Norepinephrine and dopamine levels were assayed in the hypothalamus, striatum, medulla-oblongata pons and remainder of the brain, and the amine synthesis was estimated, when possible. 2. Fenfluramine acted especially on norepinephrine in the obese rat hypothalamus. 3. Mazindol was active on norepinephrine and dopamine levels only in obese animals. 4. Amphetamine acted on norepinephrine levels only in obese rats and on dopamine levels in both obese and lean rats.