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Ultrastructural and fluorescence histochemical studies on the effects of 6-hydroxydopamine on the rat median eminence

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Summary

The extent of degeneration and regeneration of catecholamine-containing nerve fibres in the external layer of the median eminence of the rat has been assessed following treatment with 6-OHDA.

Ultrastructural and fluorescence histochemical evidence suggests that nerve terminal degeneration occurs in the external layer of the caudal regions of the median eminence, including the anatomical stem, following intravenous injection of 6-OHDA in a dose of 100 mg/kg. No degeneration in the external layer of the median eminence was observed when the drug was given as sequential intracisternal injections to adult rats or neonatal rats by subcutaneous injections. The fluorescence histochemical studies suggest that regeneration of catecholamine-containing neurons is substantially complete within three weeks of treatment with intravenous 6-OHDA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

    G. C. Smith & R. D. Helme

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  1. G. C. Smith
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  2. R. D. Helme
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This study was supported by a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.

Medical Postgraduate Scholar, National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.

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Smith, G.C., Helme, R.D. Ultrastructural and fluorescence histochemical studies on the effects of 6-hydroxydopamine on the rat median eminence. Cell Tissue Res. 152, 493–512 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00218934

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00218934

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