The content and localization of catecholamines in the carotid labyrinths and aortic arches of Rana temporaria

Abstract

1. The catecholamine content of the carotid labyrinth of Rana temporaria was estimated by two different methods, and compared with that of the aortic arch. In both tissues adrenaline was found as the dominant amine, with traces of dopamine and noradrenaline detectable in the labyrinth only.2. Per gram of fresh tissue, the labyrinth usually contained more adrenaline than the aortic arch.3. On microscopic examination, the aortic arch was found to contain nerve fibres which fluoresced after treatment with formaldehyde, whereas within the carotid labyrinth the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence was localized in the cytoplasm of clusters of small cells. This fluorescence resembled that exhibited by glomus cells in the mammalian carotid body.