Catecholaminergic cell groups

Collections of neurons in the central nervous system

Catecholaminergic cell groups refers to collections of neurons in the central nervous system that have been demonstrated by histochemical fluorescence to contain one of the neurotransmitters dopamine or norepinephrine. Thus, it represents the combination of dopaminergic cell groups and noradrenergic cell groups.[1] Some authors include in this category 'putative' adrenergic cell groups, collections of neurons that stain for PNMT, the enzyme that converts norepinephrine to epinephrine (adrenaline).[2]

Catecholaminergic cell groups and Parkinson's disease have an interactive relationship. Catecholaminergic neurons containing neuromelanin are more susceptible to Parkinson's related cell death than nonmelanized catecholaminergic neurons. Neuromelanin is an autoxidation byproduct of catecholamines, and it has been suggested that catecholaminergic neurons surrounded by a low density of glutathione peroxidase cells are more susceptible to degeneration in Parkinson's disease than those protected against oxidative stress. Hyperoxidation may be responsible for the selective degeneration of catecholaminergic neurons, specifically in the substantia nigra.[3]

## References

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1. ^ Fuxe K, Hoekfelt T, Ungerstedt U (1970). "Morphological and functional aspects of central monoamine neurons". International Review of Neurobiology. 13: 93–126\. doi:10.1016/S0074-7742(08)60167-1. ISBN 9780123668134.
2. ^ Kitahama K, Nagatsu I, Pearson J (1994). "8: Catecholamine systems in mammalian midbrain and hindbrain: theme and variations". In Smeets WJ, Reiner A (eds.). Phylogeny and Development of Catecholamine Systems in the CNS of Vertebrates. Cambridge, England: University Press. OCLC 29952121.
3. ^ Hirsch EC (1992). "Why are nigral catecholaminergic neurons more vulnerable than other cells in Parkinson's disease?". Annals of Neurology. 32: S88 – S93. doi:10.1002/ana.410320715. PMID 1510386. S2CID 9997355.

## External links

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* More information at BrainInfo

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