Use of Tracers in the Study of Biogenic Amine Compartments

Abstract

Although a biologist may learn much about the individual enzyme reactions present in a tissue homogenate, this knowledge will not by itself explain intrinsic physiological mechanisms in the living organism. Function is inextricably linked with structural integrity, and this is destroyed by homogenization. Atissue organ is a physical machine, and to explain its physiological function one needs to know not only of what substances it is composed, but how these are physically arranged and how they change to make the engine work.

Presented at the Eighth Symposium on Advances in Tracer Methodology, November, 1963.