Non-dopaminergic neurons expressing dopamine synthesis enzymes: differentiation and functional importance

The study has evaluated in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro ontogenesis and functional significance of the arcuate nucleus neurons expressing either individual enzymes of dopamine synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase or aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase as well as both of them (dopaminergic neurons) in rats from the 17th embryonic day to adulthood. Monoenzymatic tyrosine hydroxylase-containing neurons were initially observed on the 18th embryonic day. On the 20-21 day, the monoenzymatic tyrosine hydroxylase- or aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase-expressing neurons comprised more than 99% of the whole neuron population expressing the dopamine-synthesizing enzymes. The dopamine production in the fetus arcuate nucleus was sufficient to provide an inhibitory control of prolactin secretion like in adults. The data suggest a possibility of the dopamine synthesis in the fetus arcuate nucleus by the monoenzymatic neurons containing either tyrosine hydroxylase or aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase-expressing neurons in co-operation.