ALTERED MONAMINE METABOLISM IN CAUDATE-PUTAMEN OF IRON-DEFICIENT RATS

The effect of iron deficiency on brain monoamine metabolism using in vivo microdialysis techniques has not been previously reported. We, therefore, examined the monoamines, dopamine and norepinephrine, and their metabolites at steady state by in vivo microdialysis in rat brain caudate-putamen in 11-week-old iron-deficient anemic hemoglobin < 7 g/dl) and control rats (Hb > 14 g/dl). Caudateputamen dopamine DA), dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid DOPAC), and homovanillic acid (HVA) concentrations were increased by 53%, 57%, and 30% (p < 0.001), respectively, in iron-deficient rats in samples collected over a 4-h period. While diminished numbers of D, receptors have been previously reported, the present findings suggest an additional defect in monoamine uptake and catabolism.