6-hydroxy-dopamine induced degeneration of central monoamine neurons

Intracerebral injection of 6-hydroxy-dopamine induced degeneration of central dopamine and noradrenaline neurons. Injection into the substantia nigra produced an anterograde degeneration of the whole nigro-neostriatal dopamine neuron system. This was associated with marked motor disturbances. It is suggested that intracerebral administration of 6-hydroxy-dopamine may be used as a tool for anatomical and functional studies on central monoamine neurons.