Noradrenaline synthesis

However, as early as the 1970s, it was obvious that end-product inhibition of TH could not be the main factor regulating the rate of noradrenaline synthesis. Clearly, the hydroxylation of tyrosine takes place in the cytoplasm and so it must be cytoplasmic noradrenaline that governs enzyme activity. Yet, it is vesicle-bound transmitter that undergoes impulse-evoked release from the neuron. Also, when neurons are releasing noradrenaline, its reuptake from the synapse is increased and, even though some of this transmitter ends up in the vesicles, or is metabolised by MAO, there should be a transient increase in the concentration of cytoplasmic noradrenaline which would increase end-product inhibition of TH. 

Since nicotine has wide ranging effects on the central nervous system it seems likely that pharmacogenomic effects on the development of nicotine dependence will span several neurotransmitter systems. One study found an association between a polymorphism in dopamine /1-hydroxylase and level of tobacco consumption [20]. This enzyme is important in noradrenaline synthesis and it is tempting to speculate that genetically regulated variations in activity might influence susceptibility to nicotine withdrawal symptoms mediated by noradrenergic pathways, but more information is required on the molecular effects of the polymorphism. 

Figure 6. Schematic of noradrenaline synthesis in a sympathetic nerve ending...

The major routes for the synthesis and metabolism of noradrenaline in adrenergic nerves [375], together with the names of the enzymes concerned, are shown in Figure 3.1. Under normal conditions the rate controlling step in noradrenaline synthesis is the first, and the tissue noradrenaline content can be markedly lowered by inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase [376]. Tissue noradrenaline levels can also be lowered, but to a lesser extent, by inhibition of dopamine-(3-oxidase [377, 378]. However, the noradrenaline depletion produced by guanethidine is unlikely to result from inhibition of synthesis, since intra-cisternal injection of guanethidine does not prevent the accumulation of noradrenaline which follows brain monoamine oxidase inhibition, even though it does cause depletion of brain noradrenaline [323]. 

Reduced choline uptake and acetylcholine synthesis. Loss of cells in nucleus basalis and occurrence of tangles in remaining cells in the brain area Decreased dopamine beta-oxidase and reduced noradrenaline synthesis. Loss of cells in the locus coeruleus and occurrence of tangles in remaining cells Slight reduction in dopamine... 

Keen, P. and McLean, W.G. (1974) Effect of dibutyryl-cyclic AMP and dexamethasone on noradrenaline synthesis in isolated superior cervical ganglia. J. Neurochem. 22 5-10. 

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