A new method to quantify catecholamine stores visualized by means of the Falck-Hillarp technique

A new method has been developed by which it is possible to quantitate specific catecholamine fluorescence in the CNS. The method is based on an elaboration by means of Kodalith plates of microphotographs taken from suitable Falck-Hillarp preparations. This method has been applied to study DA fluorescence decay in the caudatus after tyrosine hydroxylase inhibition. The method is reliable since the half-life obtained for DA turnover in the caudatus is very close to similar values obtained by means of both microfluorimetry and mass fragmentography.