Evidence for an activating effect of tabernanthine on rat brain catecholamine synthesis and elimination

Tabernanthine increased the synthesis and elimination of catecholamines (CA) in the striatum and the rest of the brain, but not in the hypothalamus. These data provide evidence that tabernanthine may activate CA turnover of some brain structures by acting at 2 steps of the metabolic pathway. The results are discussed in relation to a central stimulating action and a hypoxia antagonistic effect of this drug.