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Changes in striatal dopamine metabolism after microsphere embolism in rats
N Takagi1, H Tsuru, M Yamamura
1Department of Pharmacology, Tokyo College of Pharmacy, Japan.
Stroke
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Microsphere embolism severely damages striatal dopamine metabolism in rats for up to 28 days. Dopamine synthesis appears more resilient to ischemic injury than dopamine breakdown.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Dopamine is crucial for striatal function.
- Microsphere embolism is a model for studying ischemic brain injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in striatal dopamine metabolism after microsphere embolism.
- To understand the pathophysiological impact of embolism on dopamine pathways.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent internal carotid artery microsphere injection.
- In vivo microdialysis and high-performance liquid chromatography measured dopamine and metabolites.
- Tyrosine hydroxylation and dopamine turnover rates were assessed using enzyme inhibitors.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in dopamine release and decrease in metabolites were observed post-embolism.
- Striatal dopamine content decreased long-term, while metabolites showed transient increases.
- Dopamine turnover and tyrosine hydroxylation rates were reduced, indicating impaired synthesis and catabolism.
Conclusions:
- Microsphere embolism causes significant, lasting damage to striatal dopaminergic metabolism.
- Dopamine synthesis may be less vulnerable to ischemic damage than dopamine catabolism.