Segmental norepinephrine and dopamine levels in cat spinal cord

Tissue levels of norepinephrine in the uninjured cat were determined by a fluorimetric or enzymatic radiometric assay technique. There were no significant differences of NE levels between the two techniques. The highest concentrations of NE were found in the cervical (.170 ug/g) and lumbar (.232 ug/g) enlargements and appear to be related to the relative amount of grey and white matter present at these levels. Dopamine levels, as determined by the enzymatic radiometric assay technique, were found to be low in those spinal segments measured (less than 0.030 ug/g). DA appears to be similarly distributed as norepinephrine in the spinal segments. Barbiturate or nitrous oxide anesthetic agents did not result in significant differences in NE determinations at cervical or thoracic segments. Variability of reported NE and DA levels from other studies appears to be related to differences in assay technique.