Brain Lesions and Amine Metabolism

TLDR: The studies on subcortical control of forebrain amine metabolism reviewed in the chapter provide a firm foundation for understanding the interdependent participation of cortical and sub cortical structures in the mediation of complex functions.

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter investigates the effects of subcortical lesions on brain serotonin levels to provide a correlation for the behavioral effects and the responses to drugs. The studies described in the chapter utilize the techniques of localized tissue destruction in the central nervous system to define the specific neuronal elements with which the biogenic monoamines, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are associated in the brain. The changes in behavior noted with the two effective lesions, septal and dorsomedial tegmental, combined with the alteration in sleeping time suggest a possibility that the effects of the lesions might be related to a change in the cerebral metabolism of the amine serotonin. The sedative effect of reserpine is related to decreases in brain serotonin, and it is proposed that this amine represents a central neurotransmitter, possibly mediating parasympathetic activities, such as sleep. Amine metabolism plays only a part in functions, for example, in the maintenance of food and water intake, but the studies on subcortical control of forebrain amine metabolism reviewed in the chapter provide a firm foundation for understanding the interdependent participation of cortical and subcortical structures in the mediation of complex functions.