Transport of noradrenaline and dopamine-β-hydroxylase in sympathetic nerves

Abstract

Thenoradrenaliri [noreplnephrine] content and dopamine-B-hydroxylase activity were determined biochemically on both sides of a ligature in dog splenic nerves. In the proximal segment of the nerve (above the ligation), the noreplnephrine content increased gradually, while in the distal part the noreplnephrine content was smaller than in controls. Moreover, a similar observation was found for dopamine-[beta]-hydroxyl-ase but not for MAO [mono-aminoxidase] activity. There is probably a transport of noreplnephrine and dopamine-[beta]-hydroxylase along the sympathetic nerve, probably within amine granules. An hypothesis about the site of catecholamines biosynthesis in the spleen is presented.