Evidence for an absence of estrogen-concentration by CCK-immunoreactive neurons in the hypothalamus of the female rat

摘要: It is becoming increasingly clear that the neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK), widely distributed in rat hypothalamus and limbic system, subject to both organizational activational influences of steroid hormones. Sex differences numbers CCK-immunoreactive elements have been demonstrated sexually dimorphic structures such as bed nucleus stria terminalis, medial preoptic nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamus. Steroid activation CCK has indicated by findings hypothalamic levels binding capacity vary over estrous cycle. These studies, combination with evidence mediation differentiated functions, prompted us test for estrogen concentration among CCK-containing cells female combining techniques immunohistochemistry autoradiography. A method employing 2-week ovariectomies perfusion fixation 4% paraformaldehyde was compatible localization estrogen-accumulating cell bodies. The maintenance CCK-positive after gonadectomy suggested expression this peptide may not be directly regulated ovarian steroids rats. This suggestion substantiated finding that, rare exceptions, did concentrate tissues collected from anterior-posterior extent anterior area, paraventricular nucleus.