Immunochemical demonstration of increased accumulation of tyrosine hydroxylase protein in sympathetic ganglia and adrenal medulla elicited by reserpine.

Chronic administration of reserpine to rats increases, in sympathetic ganglia and adrenal medulla, the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (EC 1.14.3.x), the enzyme catalyzing the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of catecholamines. Immunochemical titration of the enzyme in both adrenal gland and innervated superior cervical ganglia demonstrates that enhanced enzyme activity is entirely attributable to accumulation of more specific enzyme protein and not activation of preexistent enzyme molecules.