Dopamine metabolism in the nucleus accumbens: the effect of clozapine

Dopamine metabolism in the nucleus accumbens of the rat was studied by gas chromatographic quantitation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA). The ratio of DOPAC/HVA in the nucleus accumbens was significantly greater than the same ratio in the striatum. Dose-response curves for the increase in DOPAC and HVA in the nucleus accumbens and striatum 2 h after clozapine were generated. The effect of clozapine on dopamine metabolism was similar in both structures.