Lesions of central norepinephrine terminals with 6-OH-dopamine: biochemistry and fine structure.

Intracisternal injections of 6-hydroxydopamine produce rapid and long-lasting depletion of brain catecholamines without effects on serotonin concentrations. Depletion of norepinephrine is greatest in areas containing only nerve terminals and axons and least in areas containing monoamine cell bodies. The norepinephrine loss is accompanied by electron microscopic evidence of nerve terminal degeneration and decreased turnover. Dopamine loss is less marked and is not accompanied by degeneration or alteration of turnover rate.