ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Glucagon-related peptides
;
Rat hypothalamus
;
Radioimmunochemistry
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Food deprivation
;
Rat
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Immunohistochemically, nerve fibers and terminals reacting with anti-N-terminal-specific but not with anti-C-terminal-specific glucagon antiserum were observed in the following rat hypothalamic regions: paraventricular nucleus, supraoptic nucleus, anterior hypothalamus, arcuate nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and median eminence. Few fibers and terminals were demonstrated in the lateral hypothalamic area and dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. Radioimmunoassay data indicated that the concentration of gut glucagon-like immunoreactivity was higher in the ventromedial nucleus than in the lateral hypothalamic area. In food-deprived conditions, this concentration increased in both these parts. This was also verified in immunostained preparations in which a marked enhancement of gut glucagon-like immunoreactivity-containing fibers and terminals was observed in many hypothalamic regions. Several immunoreactive cell bodies were found in the ventromedial and arcuate nuclei of starved rats. Both biochemical and morphological data suggest that glucagon-related peptides may act as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators in the hypothalamus and may be involved in the central regulatory mechanism related to feeding behavior and energy metabolism.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00219001
Permalink
