GENETIC CORRELATIONS BETWEEN BRAIN DOPAMI NE METABOLISM AND ANXIETY IN MICE

Dopamine, homovanillic acid(HVA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (D OPAC) levels were determined in striatum and nucleus accumbens with ol factory tubercles in four mice strains (C57BL/6, DBA/2, BALB/c, and CB A). The levels of anxiety were estimated in the elevated plus-maze, da rk-light test, and by the social activity. Significant correlation was revealed between the content of dopamine (and its main metabolites) a nd the lever of anxiety. All the correlations between the DOPAC level and the percentage of time spent in the open arms, or at the illuminat ed area, or contacting with a conspecific were positive. The correlati ons between these anxiety indices and HVA levels were negative. It is suggested that brain dopaminergic system plays an essential role in th e regulation of anxiety and that anxiety is associated with increased O-methylation and decreased oxidative deamination of dopamine.