Cerebellum catecholamines

The three P-adrenoreceptor subtypes have varying localizations and functional properties. The brain contains both Pj and Pj receptors the density of Pj receptors varies in different brain areas to a much greater extent than does that of Pj receptors. Pj receptors predominate in the cerebral cortex Pj receptors are more common in the cerebellum. Likewise, there is a coexistence of Pj and Pj receptors in the heart, with both receptor subtypes being coupled to the electrophysiological effects of catecholamines upon the myocardium. Pj receptors tend to predominate in the lung. 

Muscle-derived differentiation factor (MDF) induces tyrosine hydroxylase expression in a variety of central nervous system neurons, including those of striatum, cerebellum, and cortex. Normally, i.e., without MDF, these neurons do not express this enzyme of catecholamine synthesis. Further in vitro studies revealed that MDF enhances TH-mRNA 40-fold in fetal mesencephalic neurons. In vivo studies, employing infusion of partially isolated MDF, reported this molecule to enhance tyrosine hydroxylase activity in dopamine-depleted striata of 6-OHDA-lesioned animals. Furthermore, an increase of striatal dopamine concentrations and a partial compensation of rotational asymmetry were observed. In contrast, dopaminergic parameters were not affected by administration of MDF in control animals, suggesting that adult dopaminergic neurons may regain sensitivity toward differentiation factors after lesion. 

Landis SC, Shoemaker WJ, Schlumpf M, Bloom FE (1975) Catecholamines in mutant mouse cerebellum fluorescence microscopic and chemical studies. Brain Res., 93, 253-266. 

Synthesis of prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGF2 ) and their release into cerebral ventricular fluid have been reported to occur in mammalian central nervous system tissue. Levels of prostaglandins tend to range from 0.1 to 2.5 pg/g tissue. Their presence has been reported in cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus, and levels can be enhanced in the presence of norepinephrine and other catecholamines. Thromboxane synthesis has also been reported to occur. The trace amounts of prostacyclin are probably the result of contamination of brain preparations with vascular elements. 

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