Effect of Manganese on Synthesis of Brain Catecholamines in Growing Rats

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Abstract
The effect of short‐term exposure of manganese on the synthesis of brain catecholamines in growing rats has been investigated by using two methods, 1) measuring the amount of conversion of 3,5‐3H‐tyrosine to 3H‐labelled dopamine and norepinephrine, and 2) measuring the rate of decline of endogenous dopamine and norepinephrine following inhibition of their synthesis with α‐methyl‐p‐tyrosine. The magnitude of conversion of 3,5‐3H‐tyrosine to 3H‐dopamine and 3H‐norepinephrine in the brain at 60 min after the administration of labelled amino acid to the manganese treated rats (1 mg MnCl2.4H2O/ml of water for 30 days) was significantly greater than observed in control rats. Manganese also increased turnover of dopamine and norepinephrine to a greater extent in the brains of treated animals.