Effect of neutron-gamma radiation on dopamine and serotonin metabolism in the rat brain: A regional analysis

The concentrations of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites and the levels of 5 -hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), the metabolite of serotonin, were deter mined in discrete cerebral areas of rats 3 hr after (neutron-gamma) irradia tion at 4 and 7 Gy, After the 7 Gy irradiation, no significant effect was o bserved. After the 4 Gy exposure, the most marked difference between irradi ated and control rats was in the levels of DA and its metabolites in the st riatum, We observed a decrease of DA, HVA, and DOPAC levels in the striatum and an opposite pattern in the substantia nigra, Whatever the brain area o bserved, an increase of 5-HIAA levels was noted. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.