Dopamine is distinctly regulated in the midbrain nuclei, which contain the cell bodies and dendrites of the dopamine neurons. Here we describe a dissection and sample-handling approach to maximize results, and thus conclusions and insights, on dopamine regulation in the midbrain nuclei of the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) in rodents.
Salvatore, M. F., Pruett, B. S., Dempsey, C., Fields, V. Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area. J. Vis. Exp. (66), e4171, doi:10.3791/4171 (2012).