UPTAKE AND BIODISTRIBUTION OF DOPAMINE IN BONE-MARROW, SPLEEN AND LYMPH-NODES OF NORMAL AND TUMOR-BEARING MICE

Significant labelled dopamine uptake was evident in bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes of normal murine hosts-in vivo. On the contrary animals bearing solid Ehrlich carcinoma, H-3-dopamine uptake was significantly reduced. The tumor tissue itself incorporated only insignificant amount of dopamine. Bone marrow cells, splenocytes and lymphocytes from lymph nodes showed specific uptake of this monoamine. At present the peripheral role of dopamine in the regulation of heart and kidney functions are well documented and utilized clinically for treatment of congestive heart and renal failure. The present result of specific dopamine uptake by bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes and alterations following tumor growth where hematopoesis and immune functions are disrupted, strengthens our previous idea that dopamine might also influence the functions of these peripheral organs. Knowledge of this possible effect of DA on these peripheral organs may be of future clinical significance in the management of hematological and immune abnormalities.