[Biogenic amines in the brain nuclei of August and Wistar rats under repeated stress]

The level of biogenic amines and their metabolites were measured in the brain regions involved in the major mechanisms of maintaining sympathetic and parasympathetic tones during emotional stress (48-h intermittent immobilization). An increase in 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine content and a trend to serotonin decrease were found in the locus coeruleus of Wistar rats, while in August rats an increase in noradrenaline, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid contents was observed in the same structure. In Wistar rats, a decrease in dopamine level was observed in the midbrain reticular formation and paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus against the background of the increased level of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine in the ventral tegmental area. In August rats, an increase in 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid was revealed in the dorsal nucleus of n. vagus, A1 and ventral tegmental areas, and nucleus tractus solitarii. The findings suggest that the level of biogenic amine metabolism in the structures of the central nervous system during emotional stress is determined genotypically.