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The arcuate complex of the female rat during the sexual cycle

An electron microscopic study

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Summary

The arcuate complex, comprising the nucleus and the outer zone of the median eminence, was studied under the electron microscope during the whole sexual cycle of the female rat. The content of granulated vesicles in neurons and terminals was minimal at estrus, rose during diestrus and reached maximal levels during the morning of proestrus. In the afternoon of proestrus the number of granulated vesicles suddenly decreased and lysosomes seemed to become activated similar changes were found in the nerve endings of the outer zone of the median eminence. These cyclic changes observed in the arcuate complex are discussed in relation to the knowledge on the histophysiology of this region of the hypothalamus and specially to the probable regulatory effect of monoamines on the secretion of gonadotrophins.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina

    David Zambrano (Associated Investigator)

  2. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, Argentina

    David Zambrano (Associated Investigator)

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  1. David Zambrano
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Supported by a grant from the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas.

The author is deeply indebted to Professor Eduardo de Robertis for the valuable advice during the preparation of the manuscript and to Mrs. Defilippi-Novoa for her skilful assistance.

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Zambrano, D. The arcuate complex of the female rat during the sexual cycle. Z. Zellforsch. 93, 560–570 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00338538

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00338538

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