Background and objective: Noradrenergic innervation is present in the bone marrow and adrenergic agents can modulate hematopoiesis. However, since no data are available concerning endogenous catecholamines at this level, we investigated their presence and origin.
Methods: Using a high performance liquid chromatographic method, we have and measured endogenous catecholamines in bone marrow from normal, 6-OHDA-treated and pargyline-treated mice.
Results: Noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine levels were, respectively, 2806.74 +/- 408.85, 803.37 +/- 87.66 and 274.47 +/- 51.54 pg/g of tissue. Noradrenaline levels were lower after 6-OHDA (1130.47 +/- 142.73 pg/g of tissue, p < 0.01 vs. control values) and higher after pargyline (4122.62 +/- 509.54 pg/g of tissue, p < 0.05). None of these treatments significantly affected adrenaline or dopamine content.
Interpretation and conclusions: Noradrenaline in the bone marrow originates mainly from sympathetic nerve endings and is metabolized through specific enzymatic pathways. Adrenaline and dopamine may originate from other sources, such as the systemic circulation.