Concentration of biogenic amines and their metabolites in different parts of brain after experimental cerebral concussion.

The levels of biogenic amines and their metabolites were determined in different parts of brain or cerebral-spinal fluid 0.5, 1, 6, 12 or 24 h after experimental cerebral concussion. Cerebral concussion in the rat leads within 6 h to an increase in 5-hydroxytryptamine and a decrease in dopamine utilization in the striatum. That imbalance between the functional state of serotoninergic and dopaminergic neurons may partly explain the development of vasospasms, ischemia and edema brought about by the brain mechanical trauma. Moreover, after cerebral concussion an evident decrease in NA level in discrete brain areas and a decreased DA release in the whole brain occur. In conclusion it is suggested that the alterations of catecholamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine utilization in discrete brain areas, especially in the striatum are the characteristic feature of disturbances after experimental brain concussion.