Serotonin and norepinephrine in the spinal cord of man

Brain Res. 1988 Mar 8;443(1-2):199-203. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(88)91613-7.

Abstract

The content of serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and norepinephrine (NE) was analysed in 71 human spinal cords obtained post-mortem. The highest content of 5-HT, 5-HIAA and NE was found in the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord. 5-HT and 5-HIAA content increased from fetal to adult spinal cord whereas the content of NE decreased. Characteristic segmental distribution of measured monoamines was present in adult spinal cord only. In two patients spinal cord lesion led to the reduction in spinal cord content of 5-HT, 5-HIAA and NE and loss of characteristic segmental distribution of these substances. These results are in general agreement with observations on spinal cord of different animal species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / analysis
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Norepinephrine / analysis*
  • Postmortem Changes
  • Serotonin / analysis*
  • Spinal Cord / analysis*
  • Spinal Cord / growth & development

Substances

  • Serotonin
  • Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid
  • Norepinephrine