Abstract
In this paper we have investigated the distribution of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH)-, vasopressin- and oxytocin-immunoreactive (IR) neurones in the paraventricular nucleus in the senile compared to the adult human brain. We found a higher number of CRH-IR neurones in senile compared to adult subjects. Vasopressin- and oxytocin-IR neurones were instead more weakly stained in the former compared to latter. These results support a hypothalamic involvement in promoting the higher activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and, thus, higher glucocorticoid plasma levels which have been described in the elderly.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Aged
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Aging / pathology
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Brain / cytology
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Brain / growth & development*
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Brain Chemistry / physiology
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Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / physiology*
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Female
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Glucocorticoids / blood
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Hormones / physiology*
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Nerve Degeneration / pathology
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Neurons / metabolism*
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Oxytocin / physiology*
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Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus / cytology
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Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus / growth & development
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Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus / physiology
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Risk Factors
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Thyroid Hormones / blood
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Vasopressins / physiology*
Substances
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Glucocorticoids
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Hormones
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Thyroid Hormones
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Vasopressins
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Oxytocin
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Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone