Gomori-positive elements of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal neurosecretory system of the rat (immunohistochemical study)

Vasopressiergic and oxytocinergic cells and fibers in the hypothalamo-hypophysial neurosecretory system have been identified by means of immuno-histochemical reactions. Vasopressin-producing cells localize mainly in the ventral part of the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and in the dorsolateral part of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Oxytocin-producing cells predominantly concentrate in the dorsal part of the SON and in the ventromedial part of the PVN. In the central part of the posterior pituitary lobe vasopressin-containing fibers are mainly situated, and in the peripheral parts--both oxytocin- and vasopressin-containing fibers are revealed. Owing to separate localization of vasopressin- and oxytocin-producing cells in the SON and especially in the PVN, in preparations stained with paraldehyde-fuchsin after Gomori-Gabe it is possible to analyse these cells separately.