Catecholamine distribution patterns in rat thalamus

Detailed distribution patterns for norepinephrine and dopamine in rat thalamus were determined by liquid chromatographic assays. The norepinephrine distribution is in good accord with that suggested previously by neuroanatomical tracing techniques. Detailed anterior-posterior concentration profiles for norepinephrine are summarized. An unexpected finding was a strong animal variability in thalamic dopamine content. Thalami were distinguished as having either low, intermediate or extremely high dopamine concentrations.