Regional Mapping of Neostriatal Neurotransmitter Systems as a Function of Aging

R. Strong, T. Samorajski, Zehava Gottesfeld

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

85 Scopus citations

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of the present investigation was to map chemically the distribution of certain neurotransmitter systems in the neostriatum of rats aged 6, 16, and 26 months. This mapping was carried out by microdissection of discrete striatal regions coupled with radiometric assays for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NA). In all age groups, ChAT, DA, and NA were highest in the rostral relative to the caudal neostriatum. Additionally, ChAT was higher in the lateral than in the medial region, whereas GAD was more homogeneously distributed within the striatum. ChAT activity was decreased significantly primarily in the caudal regions in rats aged 16 and 26 months. DA levels were decreased in the caudal striatum in rats aged 26 months. NA levels were found to be significantly decreased primarily in the rostral neostriatal regions of the otdest rats. GAD activity remained unchanged in all age groups. These regional changes in selected neurotransmitter systems may underlie specific motor and cognitive deficits that often occur during aging.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)831-836
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of neurochemistry
Volume39
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1982
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Dopamine
  • Glutamic acid decarboxylase
  • Neostriatum
  • Norepinephrine
  • choline acetyltransferase

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Regional Mapping of Neostriatal Neurotransmitter Systems as a Function of Aging'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this