Interactions between neurotransmitter systems in nigrostriatal structures of rat brain after long-term administration of reserpine and haloperidol

Using spectrophotometrical methods, we studied the activities of enzymes of dopamine turnover, such as tyrosine hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase B; acetylcholine turnover, such as acetylcholinesterase; and glutamate metabolism, such as glutamine synthetase in the caudate nucleus and substantia nigra of the brain of Wistar rats after a 14 day administration of reserpine and haloperidol. We found inhibition of synthesis and catabolism of dopamine and activation of the cholinergic system due to the inhibition of acetylcholine esterase. We found specific changes in the cholinergic and glutamatergic systems associated with disturbances in dopaminergic turnover after application of reserpine and haloperidol.