Brain monoamine metabolism is altered in rats following spontaneous, long-distance running.
Brain monoamine metabolism in rats was studied during spontaneous, long-term running in a microprocessor-controlled wheel cage. Immediately after heavy spontaneous exercise, DOPA accumulation was decreased in dopamine-rich brain regions such as the limbic forebrain and corpus striatum, indicating a decreased rate of synthesis of dopamine in brain. In contrast, DOPA accumulation was increased in the noradrenaline-predominated region of the brain stem, indicating an increased synthesis of noradrenaline in this region. Alterations in brain monoamine metabolism were normalized in exercising animals analysed 24 h after the last running period. Changes in brain monoamine metabolism may be involved in the mechanisms underlying the clinically observed psychological effects of physical exercise.
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000378:metabolism*; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine / Q000378:metabolism; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D005082:Physical Exertion; D051381:Rats; D011921:Rats, Inbred WKY; D012420:Running; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D002395:Catecholamines; D012701:Serotonin; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine; D004298:Dopamine; D009638:Norepinephrine