The changes in the content of the biogenic amines and their metabolites in the striatum of the rat during the aging period (3-30 months) have been studied. The maximum levels of dopamine (DA) have been found at 6 months of age and this concentration is maintained until 24 months. Between 24 to 30 months there is a decrease in the concentration of this compound. At that time, there is a slight increase in 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) concentration, the main metabolites of DA, which suggests a slight increase in DA metabolism. The 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) concentration also increases at this time. The maximum concentration of noradrenaline (NA) was also found at 6 months of age. Tryptophan has the maximum concentration after DA and this is maintained over the life-span of the rat. The concentration of serotonin (5-HT) is high and does not change during this period. However, the concentration of 5-HT, as occurred with DA, decreased between 24 and 30 months. Also the DA/5-HT ratio does not change during the period studied.