Serotoninergic endings on VIP-neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and on ACTH-neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the rat hypothalamus. A combination of high resolution autoradiography and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry

Neurosci Lett. 1984 Feb 10;44(2):119-24. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(84)90068-5.

Abstract

A combination of immunocytochemistry with transmitter specific autoradiography at the electron microscopic level was used to identify vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)- or ACTH-containing neurons and serotoninergic nerve terminals in the suprachiasmatic (SCN) and arcuate nuclei (AN). We observed nerve terminals showing selective uptake of [3H]serotonin forming synaptic contact with perikarya or dendrites where the postsynaptic structures exhibited VIP-like immunoreactivity in the SCN and ACTH-like immunoreactivity in the AN. The findings provide ultrastructural evidence that serotoninergic nerve fibers terminate on VIP-neurons in the SCN and on ACTH-neurons in the AN.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus / metabolism*
  • Autoradiography
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Synapses / metabolism
  • Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / metabolism*

Substances

  • Serotonin
  • Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone