Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase-containing neurons in the limbic system of the young rat

Fifteen years ago epinephrine cells were shown to be present in the medulla oblongata of the rat. These cell groups (C1 and C2) were thought to supply the epinephrine innervation in the rest of the central nervous system. In this study I demonstrate the presence of epinephrine-producing neurons in the forebrain of the young rat. Neurons that are immunopositive for phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (S-adenosyl-L-methionine:phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, EC 2.1.1.29) are present in the central nucleus of the amygdala as well as in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Neurons in the same location are also immunopositive for tyrosine hydroxylase [tyrosine 3-monooxygenase; L-tyrosine, tetrahydrobiopterine:oxygen oxidoreductase (3-hydroxylating), EC 1.14.16.2]. The phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase immunopositivity disappears by day 35, while a small amount of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells still can be found in the adult. In situ hybridization reveals tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA in the above nuclei in both young and adult animals. The number of the positive cells decreases in adulthood. RNA blot-hybridization analysis showed the presence of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase mRNA in the amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in the young and in the adult rat brain. Neurons that are immunopositive for phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase are also present in the human amygdala.