[The genotypic correlations of the expression of anxiety and dopamine metabolism in the mouse brain].

Dopamine, homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels were determined in striatum and nucleus accumbens with olfactory tubercles in four mice strains (C57BL/6, DBA/2, BALB/c, and CBA). The levels of anxiety were estimated in the elevated plus-maze, dark-light test, and by the social activity. Significant correlation was revealed between the content of dopamine (and its main metabolites) and the level of anxiety. All the correlations between the DOPAC level and the percentage of time spent in the open arms, or at the illuminated area, or contacting with a conspecific were positive. The correlations between these anxiety indices and HVA levels were negative. It is suggested that brain dopaminergic system plays an essential role in the regulation of anxiety and that anxiety is associated with increased O-methylation and decreased oxidative deamination of dopamine.