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Extension of the Labeled Precursor Method of Measuring Neurotransmitter Kinetics to Non‐Steady‐State Conditions: Application to Striatal Dopamine Metabolism
Author(s) -
Paden Charles M.,
Young Stephen J.,
MacGregor Ronald J.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
journal of neurochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.75
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1471-4159
pISSN - 0022-3042
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1980.tb09974.x
Subject(s) - dopamine , kinetics , substantia nigra , compartment (ship) , neurotransmitter , catabolism , steady state (chemistry) , chemistry , tyrosine hydroxylase , metabolism , neuroscience , biochemistry , dopaminergic , biology , physics , oceanography , receptor , quantum mechanics , geology
A solution of the differential equations describing the single open compartment model of neurotransmitter kinetics which does not assume a steady state is presented. In addition, a computer procedure is described for analyzing data obtained following the pulse injection of radiolabeled precursors, which eliminates the use of graphical methods in calculating fractional rate constants of synthesis and catabolism. This procedure also provides statistically valid estimates of the standard errors of the rate constants, allowing for tests of the significance of experimental effects. The ability of this approach to discriminate between changes in synthesis and catabolism under non‐steadystate conditions is demonstrated by analyzing the kinetics of striatal dopamine metabolism following (a) administration of α‐methyl‐ρ‐tyrosine and (b) lesion of the substantia nigra. The utility of this method and precautions in its use are discussed.