Accumulation of norepinephrine by tissue slices from spontaneously hypertensive rats

Accumulation of 3H-1-norepinephrine (3H-1-NE) by heart and spleen slices from different aged spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) was compared with accumulation by slices from comparably aged normotensive rats (Wistar-Kyoto, WKY). Between weeks 4 and 9 there was a significant increase in accumulation by heart slices of the WKY; there was no further increase at weeks 13 and 16. The developmental pattern in slices of WKY spleen was different. Accumulation was the same at weeks 4 and 9; subsequently, there were significant increases at weeks 13 and 16. Slices of heart from SHR showed the same pattern of development as those from WKY. However, accumulation by slices of SHR spleen was significantly different from that by slices of WKY spleen. At all ages studied, SHR slices accumulated less 3H-1-NE. Furthermore, there was no significant increase in accumulation with age. The data show: 1. the course of development of the adrenergic neuron transport system is different in heart and spleen, and 2. accumulation of 3H-1-NE by SHR spleen, but not heart slices, is different from accumulation by the respective control tissues.