The effect of β-alanine on motor behaviour, body temperature and cerebral monoamine metabolism in rat

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Abstract
Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection ofβ-alanine produced a decrease in rectal temperature, inhibition of exploratory behaviour and motility, and changes in the metabolism of cerebral monoamines. Dopa and 5-HTP accumulation after inhibition of L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, NSD 1015 (3-hydroxybencylhydrazine HCl, 100mg/kg i.p.) was found to be significantly increased in all the dissected cerebral regions of animals treated withβ-alanine, as compared to the controls. Levels of tyrosine and tryptophan did not show any significant change. Endogenous levels of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA), serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA), did not change. After inhibition of the catecholamines synthesis withα-methyltyrosine (α-MT), dopamine depletion was retarded and noradrenaline accelerated, but without reaching statistical significance. After intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection ofβ-alanine, significant changes in motor behaviour were found. Body temperature and metabolism of brain catecholamine were unchanged. This lack of effect could be explained by poor penetration through the blood-brain barrier.

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