ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Median eminence
;
Rat
;
Monoamine fluorescence
;
Output of pars distalis hormones
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The distribution of monoamines in the median eminence of foetal, neonatal and adult rats has been studied with the Falck-Hillarp fluorescence histochemical technique in preparations in which the hypothalamus and pituitary gland were in continuity. In adult rats monoamine fluorescence is present throughout the median eminence, including the anatomical stem. In foetal rats a few sagittally-directed varicose fluorescent fibres are seen in the median eminence. In neonatal rats palisade layer fluorescence in appreciable amounts is first seen on the fourth day in the region of the anatomical stem. By the eighth day it has spread throughout the palisade layer of the entire median eminence, and by the end of the third week it has attained adult intensity. The appearance of monoamines in the median eminence, the development of a functional hypophysial portal system, and a changing pattern of development of function in both the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axes thus all appear to be contemporaneous events. It is suggested that the monoamines of the median eminence represent part of a neural system influencing the output of pars distalis hormones, in particular of ACTH and TSH secretion.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00335377
