Effects of neurotensin on regional concentrations of norepinephrine in rat brain

The effects of intraventricular administration of either 7.5 or 30 micrograms neurotensin on norepinephrine concentrations were examined in several brain regions at 5 or 30 min post-injection. Significant elevations in the level of this amine were found in the hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens and amygdala. Levels in striatum, ventral tegmentum, septum, frontal cortex and substantia nigra were not affected. The effects were most prominent 5 min after injection. Results are discussed in terms of behavioral changes induced by these doses of neurotensin.