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The distribution of vasopressin and oxytocin in the hypothalamoneurohypophysial system of the guinea‐pig
Author(s) -
BISSET G. W.,
ERRINGTON M. L.,
RICHARDS C. D.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1973.tb06912.x
Subject(s) - oxytocin , vasopressin , supraoptic nucleus , medicine , endocrinology , hypothalamus , guinea pig , posterior pituitary , antidiuretic , hormone , biology , neuropeptide , chemistry , nucleus , pituitary gland , neuroscience , receptor
Summary1 . The ratio of the content of vasopressin to that of oxytocin (V/O ratio) was estimated in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and posterior pituitary gland (PIT) of guinea‐pigs. 2 . Extracts were assayed for antidiuretic activity to estimate vasopressin and for milk‐ejecting activity to estimate oxytocin. In assays for milk‐ejecting activity, trypsin was used to inactivate vasopressin in the extracts. 3 . The mean V/O ratios in the SON, PVN and PIT were 28, 85 and 70 respectively in male guinea‐pigs, 6·8, 7·4 and 6·9 in non‐lactating females, and 5·1, 3·3 and 6·6 in lactating females. 4 . The distribution of the hormones within the hypothalamus is discussed in relation to their independent release in response to electrical stimulation of the SON and PVN.