Content of norepinephrine and serotonin in symmetrical divisions of the brain of rats in the norm during learning and with the administration of peptides.

Abstract

The content of norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) in the right and left halves of the brain of rats was compared in the norm, during the development of defensive two-way avoidance conditioned reflexes (TWACR), and with the administration of peptides which influence learning and memory, namely desglycine-arginine vasopressin (DG-AVP), ACTH4-7 pro-gly-pro, and dalargin. These investigations demonstrated that the content of NE in the right cerebral hemisphere is significantly higher than in the cortex of the left. Significant differences were not detected with respect to the 5-HT content in symmetrical parts of the brain. The asymmetry of the NE content was eliminated under the influence of the development of the TWACR. The systemic administration of DG-AVP, ACTH4-7 pro-gly-pro, and dalargin essentially did not alter the 5-HT content, and decreased the NE content in the cortex and in the rest of the brain. In the process the NE content of the right and left hemisphere evened out. The data obtained point to the asymmetrical character of the action of the neuropeptides and to the greater resistance of the serotoninergic system of the brain to a functional load and the administration of peptides by comparison with the noradrenergic system.