Hydrolysis of enkephalins by human converting enzyme and localization of the enzyme in neuronal components of the brain.

Homogeneous human CE hydrolyzed Met5-enkephalin fastest of the biologically active substrates tested. The inactivation of Met5-enkephalin was inhibited by antiserum to Ce and by specific inhibitor of CE (MK 421; I50 = 8 x 10(-9)M). Direct radioimmunoassay of CE extracted from basal ganglia indicated immunological identity of lung, kidney, and brain CE.

Chemical heterogeneity in cerebellar Purkinje cells: existence and coexistence of glutamic acid decarboxylase-like and motilin-like immunoreactivities.

Purkinje neurons of the cerebellar cortex from a chemically and morphologically heterogeneous population containing some members that have gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), others that have immunoreactivity for motilin, and a small number that have both. The remaining 30-40% of all Purkinje cells have neither of these two neuroactive substances, leaving possibilities for other transmitter candidates. The evidence was compiled from double-staining immunocytochemical procedures performed on single sections of the cerebellum and brain stem in rat, mouse, and monkey.

Renin and angiotensin: the complete system within the neuroblastoma x glioma cell.

Cells of the homogeneous hybrid line neuroblastoma x glioma (NG108-15) have many neuronal properties. Immunocytochemical tests show that they contain both immunoreactive renin and angiotensin; direct radioimmunoassays show that they are positive for renin, angiotensin I, and angiotensin II; enzymatic assays show that they contain angiotensinogen and converting enzyme as well. The renin appears to be present in an enzymatically inactive form that can be activated by trypsin and then blocked by antiserum to purified mouse submaxillary renin.

Presence of serotonin in the palate just prior to shelf elevation.

Since serotonin and its antagonists affect shelf rotation in mouse embryo culture, experiments were carried out to determine whether a serotonergic system is present in the palate. Employing [3H]5-HT, day-14.5 embryos incorporated the monoamine into palates.

Vasopressin concentrations in hypophysial portal plasma: insignificant reduction following removal of the posterior pituitary gland.

This study was designed to determine the relative contribution of vasopressin-secreting nerve terminals in the median eminence compared to those in posterior pituitary to the high concentrations of the hormone in hypophysial portal blood. Vasopressin was measured by radioimmunoassay in plasma obtained by microcannulation of individual long portal veins of 8 intact male Long-Evans rats (2.0 +/- 0.

Benzodiazepines have high-affinity binding sites and induce melanogenesis in B16/C3 melanoma cells.

We found that two markers of differentiation, tyrosinase (monophenol, dihydroxyphenylalanine:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.14.18.

Control of release of adrenocorticotropin and vasopressin by the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei.

To determine the relative roles of the hypothalamic supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei in the control of the release of vasopressin and of ACTH, we have examined the hormonal responses to electrical stimulation (200 microA, 0.2 msec, 100 Hz, 20 sec) of these regions. Cats were anesthetized with chloralose-urethane.

The descending afferent connections of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN).

The distribution of afferents to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) was studied following iontophoresis of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the nucleus. This report describes the descending connections to this structure. The PVN receives a substantial input from limbic system structures, especially from the lateral septal nucleus and the ventral portion of the subicular cortex.

Identification, characterization and distribution of motilin immunoreactivity in the rat central nervous system.

Motilin-immunoreactivity was evaluated in rat brain using 15 different antisera and by combining gel filtration, high pressure gel filtration and reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography with radioimmunoassay. Gel filtration chromatography demonstrated a high molecular weight and low molecular weight form of immunoreactive motilin. The high molecular weight form predominated in brain while the low molecular weight peptide was the predominant form of duodenum.

Palate morphogenesis. VI. Identification of stellate cells in culture.

Mesenchymal cells from the palate of mouse embryos at day 14.5 of gestation produce a minor population of stellate cells in culture. These cells are often bipolar and spindle-shaped with long cytoplasmic processes similar to neural-crest cells.

Immunocytochemical localization of angiotensin II and vasopressin in rat hypothalamus: evidence for production in the same neuron.

1. By immunoperoxidase technique, immunoreactive angiotensin II (ANG II) was located in the cell bodies of many magnocellular neurons in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus and their pathways to median eminence and posterior pituitary gland in the rat. 2.

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Immunocytochemical distribution of corticotropin (ACTH) in monkey brain.

The distribution of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) in monkey brain was examined by immunoperoxidase immunohistochemistry. An antiserum to ACTH that recognized the C-terminal portion of the molecule was used. Immunoreactive ACTH was visualized as an intraneuronal constituent with a widespread distribution throughout the brain.

Section of the pituitary stalk in the rhesus monkey: morphological and endocrine observations.

The effect of sectioning the pituitary stalk on the hypothalamic magnocellular system of the rhesus monkey was studied by specific immunocytochemical techniques. Regeneration of the proximal stump with reconstitution of a "new" neurohypophysis occurred as early as three weeks after operation, illustrating the remarkable regenerative ability of the system. The functional capacity of the newly formed neurovascular units was also tested, and the results indicate that they not only resume basal secretion of posterior pituitary hormones, but are also able to increase their output in response to a variety of challenges.

Wide distribution of immunoreactive renin in nerve cells of human brain.

By use of the indirect peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex immunocytochemical technique, antibody to purified human renal renin was applied to formalin-fixed paraffin sections of human cadaver brain. Immune reaction products were observed in most nerve cells in all areas of the brain examined; staining was limited to the soma and proximal dendrites. These experiments have confirmed the presence of a renin-like substance in central nervous tissue and suggest a more generalized function for "brain renin" than was previously anticipated.

Palate morphogenesis. V. Effects of cholinergic agonists and antagonists on rotation in embryo culture.

Morphological studies have shown that the pterygopalatine ganglion in the day-14.5 mouse palatal shelf lies adjacent to the putative contractile system of region-2 cells in the posterior palate. It is of interest to learn whether the ganglion could influence rotation of the palate.

Neurotensin neurons in the rat hypothalamus: an immunocytochemical study.

Neurotensin was localized in the hypothalamic tissues of adult Sprague-Dawley rats by immunoperoxidase techniques. Visualization of perikarya was greatly enhanced by intraventricular administration of colchicine. Many perikarya containing neurotensin-like immunoreactivity were seen in the medial preoptic area, the periventricular hypothalamus, the parvocellular portion of the paraventricular nucleus, the arcuate nucleus, and the lateral hypothalamus in the perifornical area.