Uptake and release of putative neurotransmitters. Measurements in regions of the normal and Newcastle disease virus-infected mouse brain.

The capacity of various regions of the mouse brain to accumulate a series of putative neurotransmitter compounds has been studied in cerebral homogenates. This uptake is selective, sodium dependent, energy dependent, and exhibits characteristics of high affinity transport. Calcium-stimulated release under depolarizing conditions of accumulated radioactive compounds was also examined. Large regional variations of uptake and release capacity existed. No clear relation between intensity of uptake and releasability of transported compounds was seen. The effect of infection of mice with Newcastle disease virus on these processes was investigated. No significant differences were seen in infected mice despite their depressed metabolic rate.