Simultaneous radioenzymatic assay of dopamine and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid: an index of in vivo dopamine release.

The relative brain tissue concentrations of dopamine (DA) and its deaminated metabolite, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), appears to be a reliable index of the functional activity of dopaminergic neurons. In order to apply this approach to the assessment of dopaminergic neuronal activity in small regions of brain, we have developed a sensitive radioenzymatic assay for simultaneous measurement of DA and DOPAC. The sensitivity of the assay for DA is approximately 10 pg and for DOPAC 100 pg. In addition, the assay is highly specific, simple, and relatively inexpensive. The concurrent estimation of tissue DA and DOPAC concentrations seems to be a reliable means of evaluating the rate of DA turnover or release in behavioral, electrical stimulation, and certain drug paradigms. However, the release or turnover of DA as induced by D-amphetamine (and perhaps other indirectly-acting dopaminemimetic drugs) cannot be meaningfully assessed by measurement of DA and DOPAC alone.