Norepinephrine metabolism in neuron: dissociation between 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol and 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid pathways.

Aim: To investigate the pre-synaptic metabolism of norepinephrine (NE), judged by variations in plasma concentration of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG) and 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid (DOMA).

Methods: Pithed and electrically stimulated (2.5 Hz) rats were given intravenous infusion of exogenous NE (6 nmol .