Distribution of immunoreactive beta-neo-endorphin in discrete areas of the rat brain and pituitary gland: comparison with alpha-neo-endorphin

The distribution of immunoreactive (ir)-beta-neo-endorphin in 101 microdissected rat brain and spinal cord regions as well as in the neurointermediate lobe of pituitary gland was determined using a highly specific radioimmunoassay. The highest concentration of beta-neo-endorphin in brain was found in the median eminence (341.4 fmol/mg of protein). High concentrations of ir-beta-neo-endorphin (greater than 250 fmol/mg of protein) were found in 11 nuclei, including dorsomedial nucleus, substantia nigra, parabrachial nuclei, periaqueductal gray matter, anterior hypothalamic nucleus, and lateral preoptic areas. Moderate concentrations of the peptide (between 100 and 250 fmol/mg of protein) were found in 66 brain nuclei such as the amygdaloid and septal nuclei, most of the diencephalic structures (not including the hypothalamus), and the majority of the medulla oblongata nuclei and others. Low concentrations of ir-beta-neo-endorphin (less than 100 fmol/mg of protein) were found in 21 nuclei, e.g., cortical structures (frontal., cingulate, piriform, parietal, entorhinal, occipital), olfactory tubercle, and cerebellum (nuclei and cortex). The olfactory bulb has the lowest beta-neo-endorphin concentration (21.3 fmol/mg of protein). Spinal cord segments exhibit low peptide concentrations. The neurointermediate lobe of the pituitary gland is extremely rich in ir-beta-neo-endorphin.

The distribution of immunoreactive alpha-neo-endorphin in the central nervous system of the rat

Using a specific radioimmunoassay, we have found that immunoreactive (ir) alpha-neo-endorphin has a widespread and unique distribution in the rat brain and spinal cord. The highest concentration in brain is in the substantia nigra (1692.1 fmol/mg of protein). Very high concentrations of ir-alpha- neo-endorphin (greater than 500 fmol/mg of protein) are also found in the lateral preoptic nucleus, dentate gyrus, parabrachial nuclei, nucleus accumbens, globus pallidus, median eminence, and anterior hypothalamic nucleus. Relatively high concentrations of ir-alpha-neo-endorphin (250 to 500 fmol/mg of protein) are present in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, paraventricular nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsomedial nucleus, central amygdaloid nucleus, periaqueductal gray matter, suprachiasmatic nucleus, periventricular nucleus, hippocampus, prepositus hypoglossal nucleus, arcuate nucleus, ventromedial nucleus, medial preoptic nucleus, zona incerta, dorsal premamillary nucleus, medial forebrain bundle (hypothalamic and preoptic), nucleus of the diagonal band, locus ceruleus, lateral septal nucleus, and nucleus ambiguus . Moderate levels (100 to 250 fmol/mg of protein) are found in the posterior hypothalamic nucleus, ventral premamillary nucleus, dorsal raphe nucleus, motor hypoglossal nucleus, caudate-putamen, periventricular thalamic nucleus, subcommissural organ, sensory trigeminal nucleus, perifornical nucleus, area postrema, supraoptic nucleus, cuneate nucleus, medial amygdaloid nucleus, and organum vasculosum laminae terminalis. Low concentrations of ir-alpha-neo-endorphin (less than 100 fmol/mg of protein) are found in many cortical structures, claustrum, thalamic nuclei, habenular nuclei, lateral geniculate body, red nucleus, superior and inferior colliculi, paramedian reticular nucleus, pontine nuclei, superior olive, vestibular nuclei, motor facial nucleus, gigantocellular reticular nucleus, and subfornical organ.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of various behavioral training and testing procedures on brain beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity and the possible role of beta-endorphin in behavioral regulation

Beta-Endorphin-like immunoreactivity is reduced in the rat diencephalon after the animals are exposed for the first time to any of the following behavioral situations: 50 tones (habituation), 50 tone-footshock shuttle avoidance trials, one step-down inhibitory avoidance trial, simple exposure to the avoidance apparatus with no footshocks, or inescapable shock. The effect is not observed when animals are exposed to any of these situations for a second time. The reduction of brain beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity is attributable to release and subsequent metabolism of the substance, and correlates with the novelty inherent in the diverse training or test situations. The role of beta-endorphin in behavior is discussed in the light of these and previous results which showed that it causes both retrograde amnesia and a facilitation of retrieval. The substance would appear to serve an adaptive function when animals are exposed to a new experience, by inducing a temporary forgetting of the experience together with (or leading to) a state of alertness or preparedness for what may happen next.

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)-like immunoreactivity in the rat central nervous system. Extrahypothalamic distribution

The distribution of CRF-immunopositive cell bodies and fibers was examined in the central nervous system of normal adult male rats and in the brains and spinal cords of animals that had been pretreated with intraventricular or local injections of colchicine, or had been hypophysectomized (HPX) 3 weeks before sacrifice. The detection of CRF immunoreactivity was also facilitated by silver-gold intensification of the diaminobenzidine end-product. CRF-immunoreactive perikarya, neuronal processes and terminals were present in all major subdivisions of the rat central nervous system. In addition to the paraventriculo-infundibular (PV-IN) system [27], cell bodies with CRF immunoreactivity were found in the following regions: olfactory bulb, olfactory tubercle, amygdala, septum, bed nuclei of the stria terminalis and anterior commissure, nucleus accumbens, supraoptic, medial preoptic and periventricular preoptic nuclei, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, periaqueductal gray of the mesencephalon and pons, raphe nuclei, lateral tegmental nucleus, parabrachial nucleus, cuneiform nuclei, locus ceruleus, medial vestibular nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsal vagal complex and most of the central sensory nuclei. Nerve processes with CRF immunoreactivity were observed in all of the above areas as well as in the stria terminalis, thalamus, caudate-putamen, zona incerta, and the cerebellum. Scattered cell bodies were observed in the spinal cord in the marginal zone of the dorsal horn, in laminae VI, VII and X and in the sympathetic intermediolateral column. Horizontal transection of the cord revealed that the majority of the fibers formed an ascending system located in the lateral funiculus, close to the sponithalamic tract. The widespread, but selective distribution of neurons containing CRF immunoreactivity supports the neuroendocrine role of this peptide and suggests that CRF, similarly to other neuropeptides, may also function as a neuromodulator throughout the central nervous system.

Effect of gonadectomy on brain homovanillic acid levels

The effect produced by gonadectomy on homovanillic acid (HVA) levels in three regions of male and female rat brain during the postnatal period has been studied. In all areas, the HVA levels rise in gonadectomized rats when they are compared with the controls in the first period, but later these levels decrease with respect to the control rats. When female rats were 60 days old there were differences between gonadectomized and controls; these differences were not found in male rats.

Somatostatin in the brain of the turtle Testudo hermanni Gmelin. An immunohistochemical mapping study

An immunohistochemical mapping study in the brain and upper spinal cord of the turtle Testudo hermanni Gmelin revealed a wide distribution of somatostatin perikarya and fibres. Within the telencephalon, somatostatin perikarya are present in the anterior olfactory nucleus, in the medial, dorsomedial and dorsal cortex, in the pallial thickening, in the piriform cortex, paleostriatum augmentatum, in the dorsoventricular ridge, core nucleus of the dorsoventricular ridge, in area c and d, and in the amygdala. In the diencephalon, the periventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus contains many somatostatin perikarya. Cerebrospinal fluid contacting somatostatin perikarya of the infundibular nucleus terminate with club-like endings in the ventricular cavity. Some somatostatin perikarya are present in the nu. reuniens of the thalamus and in the lateral habenular nucleus of the epithalamus. Within the mesencephalon somatostatin perikarya are located in the interpeduncular nucleus, area tegmentalis ventralis and in the nu. reticularis isthmi. In the rhombencephalon, somatostatin perikarya are encountered in the nu. raphe superior, nu. reticularis magnus, periventricular grey matter, bed nucleus of the fasciculus longitudinalis medialis and in the nu. solitarius-vagus complex. Somatostatin fibres form a circular band in the olfactory bulb. In the telencephalon, dense aggregations of somatostatin fibres are present in the anterior olfactory nucleus, in the pallial thickening, in the parahippocampal gyrus, cortex medialis, dorsomedialis, dorsalis and piriformis, in the dorsal ventricular ridge, paleostriatum augmentatum, area c and d, in the septum, nu. diagonalis of Broca, in the amygdala and in the anterior commissure. In the diencephalon, somatostatin fibres terminate at the vessels of the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis. A dense band of somatostatin fibres surrounds the rostral third ventricle. Somatostatin fibres terminate in the infundibulum at portal capillaries, and in the neural lobe. Somatostatin fibres are found in the periventricular, ventromedial and lateral nucleus of the hypothalamus. In the thalamus, the area triangularis, the dorsomedial and dorsolateral area and the nu. reuniens contain somatostatin fibres. Somatostatin fibres are very dense in the lateral habenular nucleus. At the mesencephalic level, somatostatin fibres are found in the pretectal nucleus, in the deep layers of the tectum, in the nu. tori semicircularis lateralis, in the interpeduncular nucleus, area tegmentalis ventralis, nu. ruber, substantia nigra and periventricular grey.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Mapping and quantitation of proteins from discrete nuclei and other areas of the rat brain by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

A map of the location and relative concentration of a number of different proteins present in 25 distinct neuroanatomical regions of the male rat brain has been established utilizing two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The regions examined include cortical areas as well as nuclei from the hypothalamus, amygdala, thalamus, forebrain, and hindbrain. Tissue samples were obtained from each region of interest by microdissection. Proteins within these samples were first separated by charge using the technique of isoelectric focusing. In the second dimension, proteins were separated by mass on polyacrylamide slab gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate. Proteins were visualized using a highly sensitive silver stain and quantitated by computerized scanning densitometry. The results demonstrate that all proteins examined varied somewhat in concentration among the different brain regions. The majority (53%) of polypeptides selected for quantitation were found to vary less than 4-fold in concentration between the neuroanatomical areas with the lowest and highest detected amounts. In contrast, approximately 10% of the proteins examined varied widely in the quantity measured in each brain region, with concentration values ranging more than 10-fold between the regions with the lowest and highest detected amounts. This atlas is a first attempt at systematically classifying the mass, charge, and relative concentration of proteins present in a variety of regions of the rat brain. The system presented here will serve as a basis for future studies in this area.

Norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in brain parts of female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) as found by two dissimilar fluorometric procedures

Two dissimilar fluorometric procedures were used to compare norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in the telencephalon, diencephalon, cerebellum, and brain stem of female Japanese quail. Amount of norepinephrine in the telencephalon and brain stem was similar using both procedures, but more norepinephrine was found in the cerebellum and diencephalon by the Jacobowitz-Richardson method compared to the Anton-Sayre method. Serotonin could not be determined using the Anton-Sayre procedure but was detected easily by the Jacobowitz-Richardson procedure in all brain parts assayed. The most striking difference between the two procedures was in the level of dopamine detected. Dopamine was found only in the telencephalon using the Anton-Sayre procedure, but it was found in all brain parts using the Jacobowitz-Richardson procedure. This is the first report of significant dopamine in all principle parts of the Japanese quail brain.

Immunocytochemical localization of ACTH1-39 in the brainstem of the rat

The immunocytochemical distribution of ACTH1-39 (adrenocorticotropin hormone), a member of the opiocortin family of peptides, was examined in the brainstem of the rat. Immunoreactive ACTH fibers were localized in many serotonin-containing raphe nuclei and in the norepinephrine- and dopamine-containing regions throughout the brainstem. Brainstem areas involved in pain mediation contained immunoreactive ACTH fibers as well as several cranial nerve nuclei and nuclei associated with cardiovascular and respiratory functions.

Serotonin in the brain of the goldfish, Carassius auratus. An immunocytochemical study

The distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) was investigated in the brain and pituitary gland of the goldfish with the use of indirect immunofluorescence technique. Immunoreactive cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons were found in the nucleus recessus lateralis and in the nucleus recessus posterioris of the hypothalamus. Additional immunoreactive neurons were observed ventro-lateral to the posterior commissure in the nucleus dorsolateralis thalami. This group of cell bodies extends posteriorly as far as the rostral midbrain tegmentum. At the level of the isthmus, numerous immunoreactive cell bodies were located medially between the fiber bundles of the fasciculus longitudinalis medialis. Finally, a few isolated immunoreactive cells were observed in the medulla oblongata. In the pituitary gland, immunoreactive fibers and cells were found primarily in the pars distalis. The origin of the numerous fibers of the telencephalon is not clear, however, they may arise from the perikarya located in the raphe region. The general organization of the ascending and descending 5-HT-systems of the teleost brain appears to be similar to that described in mammals.

CSF-contacting and other somatostatin-immunoreactive neurons in the brains of Anguilla anguilla, Phoxinus phoxinus, and Salmo gairdneri (Teleostei)

A system of somatostatin-immunoreactive neurons was demonstrated in the brains of the eel, Anguilla anguilla, the European minnow, Phoxinus phoxinus, and the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, by means of the light-microscopic indirect immunoperoxidase technique. In the anterior periventricular nucleus, somatostatin-immunoreactive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting neurons display intensely stained intraventricular dendritic protrusions, perikarya, and axonal processes. The latter taper into a somatostatin-immunoreactive fiber plexus extending to the infundibulum, the proximal neurohypophysis, and the lateral and mammillary recesses. In addition, somatostatin-immunoreactive neurons were demonstrated in the magnocellular preoptic, entopeduncular and dorsolateral thalamic nuclei, further in the pretectal area and the ventrolateral tegmentum. Somatostatin-immunoreactive fiber bundles project via the stria medullaris toward the habenular nucleus; they also course in the dorsomedial-ventrolateral direction at the level of the pretectal-tegmental area, and within the ventral and dorsal tegmentum. The presence of somatostatin in a variety of different neurons of the teleost brain is discussed in connection with their tentative inhibitory function. The CSF-contacting neurons of the anterior periventricular nucleus are supposed to function as sensors that pass information from the CSF to the somatostatin system of the hypothalamus and/or other components of the neuroendocrine apparatus.

Immunocytochemical localization of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the rat brain

The immunocytochemical localization of neurons containing the 41 amino acid peptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the rat brain is described. The detection of CRF-like immunoreactivity in neurons was facilitated by colchicine pretreatment of the rats and by silver intensification of the diaminobenzidine end-product. The presence of immunoreactive CRF in perikarya, neuronal processes, and terminals in all major subdivisions of the rat brain is demonstrated. Aggregates of CRF-immunoreactive perikarya are found in the paraventricular, supraoptic, medial and periventricular preoptic, and premammillary nuclei of the hypothalamus, the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis and of the anterior commissure, the medial septal nucleus, the nucleus accumbens, the central amygdaloid nucleus, the olfactory bulb, the locus ceruleus, the parabrachial nucleus, the superior and inferior colliculus, and the medial vestibular nucleus. A few scattered perikarya with CRF-like immunoreactivity are present along the paraventriculo-infundibular pathway, in the anterior hypothalamus, the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, and the periaqueductal gray of the mesencephalon and pons. Processes with CRF-like immunoreactivity are present in all of the above areas as well as in the cerebellum. The densest accumulation of CRF-immunoreactive terminals is seen in the external zone of the median eminence, with some immunoreactive CRF also present in the internal zone. The widespread but selective distribution of neurons containing CRF-like immunoreactivity supports the neuroendocrine role of this peptide and suggests that CRF, similarly to other neuropeptides, may also function as a neuromodulator throughout the brain.

LHRH-immunoreactive cells in the brain of the three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus L. (Gasterosteidae)

Cells immunoreactive with an anti-LHRH serum were visualized in the brain of the three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, by means of the PAP technique. Positive cells were found in a periventricular position in the nucleus praeopticus pars magnocellularis, the nucleus dorsomedialis thalami, the nucleus ventromedialis thalami, the nucleus periventricularis posterior, and in the periventricular dorsomedian tegmentum. These cells were frequently observed to contact the CSF.

The effects of intracerebroventricular administration of 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine to neonatal rats

5,6-Dihydroxytryptamine was administered intracerebroventricularly to neonatal rats on days 3 and 6 (25, 50, 75 or 100 micrograms) or on day 12 (50, 75 or 100 micrograms) after birth. Administration on days 3 and 6 increased serotonin (5-HT) in the diencephalon, decreased it in the telencephalon and produced variable results in the brainstem. The dose of 100 micrograms eliminated the peak in locomotor activity that normally occurs at day 15. Administration on day 12 produced increased 5-HT levels in the diencephalon and the brainstem. The dose of 100 micrograms delayed the decrease in activity after the peak. Administration on days 3 and 6 or on day 12 produced non-specific damage throughout the brain, although dopamine levels were normal. The behavioral effects did not correspond with the neurochemical effects and probably were due to the pronounced non-specific effects of the treatment.

Evidence for the involvement of central catecholaminergic mechanisms in mediating the preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone in the domestic hen

The effects of various pharmacological treatments, designed to perturb central catecholaminergic neurotransmission, on the pattern of LH release during the preovulatory period in the domestic hen were studied. Treatment of hens with either L-dihydroxyphenylalanine or diethyldithiocarbamate which raised the concentration of dopamine in the hypothalamus by 42 and 110% respectively, or with apomorphine, attenuated the preovulatory surge of LH. In contrast, treatment with either alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine which produced a 65% decline in the concentration of dopamine in the hypothalamus without affecting the concentrations of noradrenaline or adrenaline or treatment with pimozide did not affect the LH surge. While treatment with propranolol was similarly ineffective, phenoxybenzamine attenuated the LH surge to a marked extent. These observations suggest that the preovulatory surge of LH in the hen is influenced by facilitatory alpha-adrenergic and inhibitory dopaminergic mechanisms. Evidence to corroborate these findings was sought by determining the steady-state concentrations of dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline in five discrete diencephalic regions of the hen throughout the ovulatory cycle.

Subcellular localization of calcium in the coronet cells and tanycytes of the saccus vasculosus of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson

The intracellular localization of calcium in the saccus vasculosus of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, was studied by means of ultracytochemical and X-ray microanalytical techniques. Using a variant of the glutaraldehyde/potassium pyroantimonate-osmium tetroxide method, Ca was detected in mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum and primary vesicles of coronet cells, and in mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum of tanycytes. Mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum in both cell types are considered as general Ca-stores. The primary vesicles in the ciliary globules of coronet cells are viewed as additional Ca-reservoirs. Possible roles of these Ca-stores in the regulation of transport activities of coronet cells in the homeostasis of the CSF are discussed.

Prenatal ontogeny of neurons with enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in the rat central nervous system: an immunohistochemical mapping investigation

Immunohistochemical techniques were used to describe the presence of endogenous levels of enkephalin-like immunoreactivity (ELI) in the developing central nervous system of the rat up until birth. The appearance and prenatal ontogeny of nerve cell bodies, nerve fiber pathways and varicose terminal plexuses expressing ELI were thus mapped using the indirect fluorescence immunohistochemical technique and fluorescein- and rhodamine-conjugated second antisera. ELI was first observed in beaded fibers along the midline from ventral pons to cervical spinal cord by prenatal day 15. Fluorescence could not be observed in the brains of 14 day old fetuses, although the adrenal medulla did show ELI at this stage. ELI-positive cell bodies at prenatal day 18 were found in most areas in which they have previously been described in adult rats. Many of the cells observed at prenatal day 18 were, however, not seen in untreated full term fetuses with the techniques used here. ELI-positive fibers and terminal fields begin to approach adult distributions at prenatal day 21--22. Several ELI-positive axon pathways which have not been previously reported from adult or developing brain, such as e.g. pathways in medial neocortex, in fasciculus retroflexus, in tractus mammillothalamicus, between ventral hypothalamus and globus pallidus and between ventromedial pons and the locus coeruleus area, are described. Semischematic maps are presented which outline all ELI-positive material as seen in sagittal projections of the central nervous system of 15 day, 18 day and full term fetuses. Maps of representative transverse sections of the full term brain are also included.

[Spectrofluorometric determination of 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in rat diencephalon (author's transl)]

A spectrofluorometric method to determine 5-HT and 5-HIAA in rat diencephalon has been developed, following the criterion of unifying the methodology in determining biogenic amines and their metabolites. Linearity in the method remains in the interval between 0.01 microgram and 0.05 microgram. Recovery is about 70% for amine and about 80% for the metabolite. Highest concentrations of 5-HT appear in one month old female animals, and are significantly higher than those found in the male population of the same age. Concentrations in two month old animals decrease, without significant differences between males and females. Values found for 5-HIAA seem not to change so significantly, although a slight decrease is observed in the elder males.

Substance P: immunohistochemical localization and effect upon cat pial arteries in vitro and in situ

1. Nerve fibres containing substance P immunoreactivity were present in the adventitia and the adventitia-media border of all cat cerebral arteries which were examined. Substance P immunoreactivity was most abundant in cerebral arteries from the rostral portion of the circle of Willis. 2. Substance P effected a dose-dependent relaxation of feline middle cerebral arteries which had been contracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha. The maximum relaxation (16 +/- 0.3 mN) was achieved with substance P at a concentration of 10-6 M. 3. In cats anaesthetized with alpha-chloralose, the perivascular microinjection of substance P effected dose-dependent increases in arteriolar calibre. The maximum increase in calibre (19 +/- 3%) was observed following the injection of 10(-6) M-substance P.

Regional distribution of myelin basic protein in the central nervous system of quaking, jimpy, and normal mice during development and aging

Myelin basic protein (MBP) was quantified using a RIA technique in the spinal cord, cerebellum, diencephalon plus brainstem region and cerebral hemispheres of two dysmyelinating murine mutants, quaking (qk) and jimpy (jp) mice. Comparison was made with normal control values. The whole life-span has been investigated: ie, ages ranging from 0 to 26 days for the jp, O to one year for the qk, and prenatal stage to three years for the control animals. Assays in the mutants at early ages were rendered feasible by the use of marker genes, which has allowed the diagnosis of the mutation at birth, 12 days before the expression of their typical tremor phenotype. Special care was given to the period of early myelinogenesis in order to clarify the dysynchrony between the various parts of the central nervous system. In normal mice, MBP was already detected in the brain of 19-day-old embryos. During development, rapid accumulation of MBP first occurred in the spinal cord then in the diencephalon, the brainstem, the cerebellum, and finally in the cerebral hemispheres. In the 25-day-old jimpy mutant, levels of MBP were found dramatically decreased, never exceeding 6% of the normal controls in any of the areas investigated. The situation for the quaking mouse was quite different. This mutant could be investigated up to one year old. At that age, a high discrepancy was observed between the values found in the brain and in the spinal cord (respectively, 10% and 35%) compared to normal controls. In both mutants, not only were the levels of MBP decreased, but also its appearance during development was delayed. Nevertheless, in both mutants the caudo-rostral timing of myelination as assayed by MBP levels was maintained. Furthermore, the later myelination occurred, the stronger weas the deficit in MBP. Interestingly, in the quaking mutant, the specific plasticity of the spinal cord was exemplified by its ability to reduce constantly, even at an advanced age, its initial deficit of MBP.

Levels of gastrin-cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity in the brains of genetically obese and non-obese rats

Levels of gastrin-cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity were measured in three brain regions (cortex, diencephalon, brainstem) and the pituitary gland in groups of genetically obese Zucker rats and their non-obese littermates. The obese animals had significantly increased body weights and significantly lowered brain weights. However, levels of gastrin-cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity were not different between the two groups in any of the regions measured. These results contrast with a recent report [11] in which ob/ob mice were found to have decreased levels of cholecystokinin in their brains.

Extrahypothalamic corticotropin and alpha-melanotropin in human brain

The distribution of corticotropin (ACTH) and alpha-melanotropin (alpha-MSH) in human brain was investigated by radioimmunoassay using an antiserum which recognized h-ACTH1-39 and alpha-MSH to an equal degree on a molar basis. Significant amounts of material, which migrated on calibrated Sephadex G-50 columns as synthetic h-ACTH1-39 and synthetic alpha-MSH, were detected in distinct brain areas. The highest concentrations of ACTH and alpha-MSH were found in the diencephalon (hypothalamus 4.2 and 12.5 pmol/g wet weight, respectively) and in midbrain (periaqueductal gray 0.5 and 1.7 pmol/g, respectively) and smaller quantities in the rhombencephalon and telencephalon. The ACTH concentration in human pituitary (adenohypophysis) was 10(4)-fold greater than that in the hypothalamus. alpha-MSH was confined to the midpart and/or stalk region of the pituitary.

Microanalysis of lipids in discrete brain areas of the rabbit following intramuscular administration of steroid contraceptive

The effects of 60- and 90-day administration of a pill containing 0.05 mg ethinylestradiol and 0.5 mg norgestrel on the regional lipid levels of female albino rabbit brains have been investigated. Decreased levels of total lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol, free fatty acids and esterified fatty acids were observed in hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygadaloid nucleus, midline nuclei of thalamus and gyrus cinguli. However, the levels of esterified fatty acids only in the amygdaloid nucleus and that of cholesterol in hypothalamus were significantly increased.

Immunocytochemical localization of somatostatin-containing neurons in the brain of Rana temporaria

The brain of the frog Rana temporaria was studied at the light microscopic level with the use of a double immunocytochemical staining method. The telencephalon, diencephalon and rhombencephalon contain somatostatin perikarya and fibers. In the telencephalon, the location of the somatostatin neurons largely corresponds to that of mammals. In the hypothalamus, the somatostatin perikarya are located in and near the magnocellular preoptic nucleus and also in the pars ventralis of the tuber cinereum. Like the somatostatin neurons of the rat hypothalamus, they form a separate subpopulation, different from the neurons producing neurohypophysial hormones. In Rana, somatostatin neurons are also present in (as well as in the vicinity of) the subfornical organ, in the thalamus, the tectum opticum, the interpeduncular nucleus and the caudal end of the roof of the calamus scriptorius. A precise localization of the perikarya of most somatostatin fibers, including those found in the median eminence and the neural lobe, was not attained.

Pharmacological effects of p-chloroamphetamine with respect to current amine hypotheses of affective disorders

The effects of p-chloroamphetamine (pCA) on the regional distribution of dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine in rat brain were studied at both 3 and 30 days after a single injection. It was found that pCA has no significant effect on the levels of dopamine or noradrenaline at either of the times studied. Conversely pCA had an effect on the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine but the effect was both time and area dependent. pCA has been shown to be an effective antidepressant. Since the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine were reduced in all areas studied and there was no effect on the levels of the two catecholamines, the results found in the study do not support an amine hypothesis in which these transmitters are implicated.

Immunohistochemical localization of adrenocorticotropin in the rat brain

ACTH and some of its fragments have been shown to play a role in a variety of adaptative mechanisms. To clearly identify the nervous structures containing ACTH in the rat brain, an immunohistochemical localization of this peptide was conducted at both light and electron microscopic levels. Nervous fibers staining for ACTH were found to be largely distributed throughout regions of hypothalamus, thalamus, and midbrain. Positive fibers could also be occasionally observed in the spinal cord. Immunostained neuronal cell bodies were only detected in the arcuate nucleus. Essentially, the same results were obtained 2 and 8 weeks after hypophysectomy. In animals pretreated with colchicine, the intensity in the staining of cell bodies was markedly increased, making possible the detection of a larger number of cell bodies. At the electron microscopic level, it was demonstrated that ACTH is contained in dense core vesicles present in nervous fibers and endings. These results indicate that ACTH of nonpituitary origin is synthesized in the central nervous system and could probably be considered as a neurotransmitter of still undefined function.

[Concentration and composition of gangliosides in portions of the vertebrate brain]

Studies have been made on gangliosides from various parts of the brain in 5 species of cartilaginous fishes, 2 species of teleosts, 2 amphibian species, 2 avian species and 3 species of mammals. Almost in all the species investigated, the highest content of gangliosides per weight unit of the brain were found in the forebrain (determinations were carried out by sialic acid, sometimes by sphingosine). Ganglioside content of brain structure in warm-blooded animals is higher that in corresponding structures of fishes and amphibia. Comparative studies on ganglioside composition in the brain of fishes and mammals indicate that brain structures exhibit the same pattern of molecular organization, as the whole brain of the species studied (high polysialoganglioside content in teleosts, predominance of gangliosides with a short carbon chain in cartilaginous fishes, etc.). Besides this fact, peculiarities of composition typical of the brain structures were found as well (more polar composition of gangliosides of the cerebellum and some other ones).

Lewy bodies in cerebral cortex, report of three cases

The histochemical and structural properties and the topographical distribution pattern of Lewy bodies in the cerebral cortex as well as in the brain stem and diencephalon were studied in three cases. The Lewy bodies in the cerebral cortex were found in the small or medium-sized neurons of the fifth and sixth layers, particularly in the anterior frontal, temporal, insular, and cingulate cortex, and showed minor differences in their histochemical and structural properties from typical Lewy bodies in the brain stem and diencephalon. By light microscopy they were more irregular in shape, less eosinophilic, less sharply demarcated, and did not have clear halos and central cores. From the ultrastructural aspect, the filaments in them did not radiate, but were arranged at random, and circular profiles were not associated in the central zone. This type of Lewy body was also distributed in the basal ganglia. A close relationship between Lewy bodies and monoamines in the cerebral cortex of our cases was not recognized. These three cases showed also concomitant senile changes, i.e., senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.

The distribution of substance P immunoreactive fibers in the rat central nervous system

A detailed account of the distribution of immunoreactive substance P-containing structures in the rat central nervous system is presented, from results obtained by applying an indirect immunofluorescent technique. High densities of substance P-containing nerve terminals were present in sensory nuclei and other non-sensory structures such as thalamus, hypothalamus and extrapyramidal system. Substance P-reactive neuron cell bodies were present in spinal root ganglia, nucleus habenulae medialis, nucleus interpeduncularis, caudoputamen and globus pallidus. Most of the neocortex and the cerebellar cortices had no substance P-positive elements. The results support the hypothesis that substance P may be a widespread neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

beta-Lipotropin: localization of cells and axons in rat brain by immunocytochemistry

Using specific antisera to human beta-lipotropin, we have visualized cells and axons with beta-lipotropin-like immunoreactivity in rat brain and pituitary. The beta-lipotropin so localized is well delineated and contained in the cytoplasm of cells and in beaded axons. Areas of greatest beta-lipotropin content are hypothalamus (with cell bodies in the medial basal hypothalamus and arcuate regions), periventricular nucleus of the thalamus, ansa lenticularis, zona compacta of the substantia nigra, medial amygdaloid nucleus, zona incerta, periaqueductal central gray area, locus ceruleus, and a few fibers in the reticular formation. The question of the exact relationship of beta-lipotropin and methionine-enkephalin remains open, because some brain areas contain both substances and some areas contain only one or the other.

[Spectrofluorometric determination of dopamine in small areas of rat brain (author's transl)]

A method for the extraction and quantification of Dopamine from small areas of rat brain has been developed. The extraction with solvents eliminates the column cromatography separations and allows the simultaneous processing of a good number of samples. Sample retrieval is quite high (70%) and very reproducible. The evaluation was made from areas with a minimal weight of 0.225 g. The quantification of Dopamine was obtained using spectrofluorometric techniques, reading the fluorescence of the trihydroxy indol derivate. The linear relation between the instrument readings and the concentration of Dopamine is from 0 to 0.5 microng/ml. The maximal concentration of Dopamine was found in the decorticated cerebral hemispheres (1.485 microng/g), the next highest values in the diencephalon (1.046 microng/), and the minimal concentration in the cerebellum (0.283 microng/g). The concentration of the whole brain was 0.701 microng/g.

The effect of steroid contraceptives on the concentrations of brain monoamines in rats and mice

The effect of three estrogen-progestin combinations on biogenic amines in discrete brain areas of rats and mice has been investigated. With the exception of a significant decrease of brain 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid in the rats treated for 30 days with the combination norethynodrel + mestranol, no significant changes in the levels of serotonin, noradrenaline or dopamine in the rat brain were found following the administration of the compounds under study. On the other hand, in mice moderate but significant changes in the levels of serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid were found in various brain areas depending on the estrogen-progestin combination used. The potential importance of these effects for the contraceptive as well as for some central actions of these compounds is discussed.

Regeneration of central cholinergic neurones in the adult rat brain

The regrowth of lesioned central acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-positive axons in the adult rat was studied in irides implanted to two different brain sites: in the caudal diencephalon and hippocampus, and in the hippocampal fimbria. At both implantation sites the cholinergic septo-hippocampal pathways were transected. At 2-4 weeks after lesion, newly formed, probably sprouting fibres could be followed in abundance from the lesioned proximal axon stumps into the iris transplant. Growth of newly formed AChE-positive fibres into the transplant was also observed from lesioned axons in the anterior thalamus, and to a minor extent also from the dorsal and ventral tegmental AChE-positive pathways and the habenulo-interpeduncular tract. The regrowth process of the sprouting AChE-positive, presumed cholinergic fibres into the iris target was studied in further detail in whole-mount preparations of the transplants. For this purpose the irides were removed from the brain, unfolded, spread out on microscope slides, and then stained for AChE. During the first 2-4 weeks after transplantation the sprouting central fibres grew out over large areas of the iris. The new fibres branched profusely into a terminal plexus that covered maximally about half of the iris surface, and in some areas the patterning of the regenerated central fibres mimicked closely that of the normal autonomic cholinergic innervation of the iris. In one series of experiments the AChE-staining was combined with fluorescence histochemical visualization of regenerated adrenergic fibres in the same specimens. In many areas there was a striking congruence in the distributional patterns of the regenerated central cholinergic and adrenergic fibres in the transplant. This indicates that - as in the normal iris - the sprouting cholinergic axons (primarily originating in the lesioned septo-hippocampal pathways) and adrenergic axons (primarily originating in the lesioned axons of the locus neurones) regenerate together along the deneravated Schwann cell sheaths. From a comparison between the central reinnervation process and the process of reinnervation of the iris by peripheral cholinergic axons after transplantation to the anterior eye chamber, it is concluded that the regenerative capacity of central cholinergic neurones (above all the septo-hippocampal system) is not much inferior to that of their peripheral counterparts when given similar growth conditions. Moreover, central cholinergic neurones seem partly able to replace the peripheral ones in the reinnervation of a denervated peripheral target.

Histochemical study of mucopolysaccharides in the subthalamic region of rats

Histological sections of the Subthalamic region of rats were treated with solutions of: Toluidin Blue, Thionin, Alcian Blue and Colloidal Iron. The microscopic observation of the histological sections treated with those histochemic reactions showed the existence in the Subthalamic region of three neuronal types, differentiated between them because of the morphologic and histochemic points of view. In the LUY's Subthalamic nucleus was observed only one neuronal type, while in the nucleus of the FOREL's field and in the Zona incerta were found two very special types of neurons (alpha and beta) differentiated between them because of their reaction before the Collidal Iron. It is suggested the possibility that those different types of neurons have different functional characteristics.

Changes of brain serotonin and muricide behavior following chronic administration of theophylline in rats

Temporal modification of amygdaloid serotonin (5HT) content and the resultant muricide behavior, compared to isolated and olfactory bulbectomized rats, were studied after chronic theophylline administration. Theophylline raised amygdaloid 5HT after Day 28 and amygdaloid 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA), its deaminated metabolite, after Day 7. Theophylline applied for 29 days elevated 5HT and 5HIAA in the amygdala, the diencephalon and the brain stem, but not in the cortex. Effects of theophylline were reduced latency and maintained tendency to kill, even after overnight muricide test. The 5HT content of the amygdala decreased in bulbectomized rats. Discrepancy between brain 5HT changes and aggressive behavior were discussed.

Lysergic acid diethylamide: evidence for stimulation of cerebral dopamine receptors

In the rat, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) decreased the striatal and retinal content of homovanillic acid. LSD did not change the level of dopamine (DA), but delayed the a-methyl-p-tyrosine-induced disappearance of this amine in the teldiencephalon. In the cat, LSD diminished the DA output into the perfusate of the caudate nucleus. Furthermore, LSD increased the activity of adenylate cyclase in striatal homogenates of rat. These and other findings indicate that in the central nervous system LSD stimulates DA receptors which may be involved in LSD-induced phychosis.

The regional distribution of somatostatin in the rat brain

A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for somatostatin (SRIF) has been used to determine the regional distribution of SRIF in rat brain. The hypothalamus contained the highest concentration of SRIF. Lower, but significant amounts of SRIF were present outside of the hypothalalmus. Within the hypothalamus, the concentration of SRIF was highest in the median eminence and arcuate nucleus although all of the hypothalmic nuclei contained some fo this material. The implications of this distribution are discussed.

Hyperdipsia induced by bilateral destruction of the locus coeruleus in rats

Bilateral lesions in the locus coeruleus (LC) of rats induced a urinary disorder and hyperdipsia. Dilatation of the urinary bladder, urinary retention and hematuria with bleeding originating from the urinary bladder, occurred immediately after the lesioning and continued for 2-5 days. Water intake increased 4 days after the lesioning. This hyperdipsia persisted for at least 4 days and then gradually returned to the control level. Food intake decreased for the first 5 days, and then returned to the control level. Lesions in the ascending dorsal bundle (DB) originating from the LC also produced hyperdipsia, but not urinary disorder. Destruction of the ascending ventral vundle (VB) originating from the noradrenaline (NA) neurons in the medulla oblongata did not affect eating, drinking or urination. The LC- or DB-lesioning caused a significant reduction of NA in the whole forebrain except the hypothalamus, whereas VB-lesioning caused reduced NA in the hypothalamus. In LC-lesioned animals, no significant changes were observed in serum osmolarity, Na+, K+, albumin and glucose in serum, or in the excretion of urine in the water-loading test.

6-hydroxydopa during development of central adrenergic neurons produces different long-term changes in rat brain noradrenaline

6-hydroxydopa (6-OH-DOPA) administered to rats during their early development produces long-term modifications in the content of brain noradrenaline (NA) which have regional differences. An increase in brain stem NA is observed when the rats are exposed to the drug between the day 14 of gestation and the 9th postnatal day. When 6-OH-DOPA is injected subcutaneously on the 13th postnatal day or later, there is a decrease in brain stem NA. On the other hand, the content of NA in the telediencephalon is depleted for the first time in rats exposed to the drug during the day 16 of gestation, the decrease is more evident when the injection is done on days 17 or 18 and the effect is also marked when the drug is administered in the period between the day of birth and the 20th day of age. These results indicate that 6-OH-DOPA exerts different effects during the process of development and that the increase in brain stem NA is not solely dependent on the depletion produced in the forebrain because both phenomena are temporally dissociated. The adrenergic neurons injured by the drug, most probably respond in such a way that leads to an increase in brain stem NA only during the period in which they are under the influence of the factors controlling their physiologic development.