Projections from vasopressin, oxytocin, and neurophysin neurons to neural targets in the rat and human. 1980

M V Sofroniew

Projections from vasopressin, oxytocin, and neurophysin neurons to neural targets were examined using the immunoperoxidase method. In the rat, neural target areas were found in portions of the limbic system, diencephalon, mesencephalon, brain stem, and spinal cord. In the human, only target areas in the brain stem and spinal cord were investigated. The projections to these targets derive from hypothalamic magnocellular vasopressin or oxytocin neurons, as well as from parvocellular vasopressin neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus. In neural target areas, axo somatic, as well as axodendritic, contacts are made. The findings suggest that these projections interact with other neurons, rather than release hormone into the bloodstream.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007031 Hypothalamus Ventral part of the DIENCEPHALON extending from the region of the OPTIC CHIASM to the caudal border of the MAMMILLARY BODIES and forming the inferior and lateral walls of the THIRD VENTRICLE. Lamina Terminalis,Preoptico-Hypothalamic Area,Area, Preoptico-Hypothalamic,Areas, Preoptico-Hypothalamic,Preoptico Hypothalamic Area,Preoptico-Hypothalamic Areas
D009474 Neurons The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the NERVOUS SYSTEM. Nerve Cells,Cell, Nerve,Cells, Nerve,Nerve Cell,Neuron
D009481 Neurophysins Carrier proteins for OXYTOCIN and VASOPRESSIN. They are polypeptides of about 10-kDa, synthesized in the HYPOTHALAMUS. Neurophysin I is associated with oxytocin and neurophysin II is associated with vasopressin in their respective precursors and during transportation down the axons to the neurohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, POSTERIOR). Neurophysin,Neurophysin I,Neurophysin II,Neurophysin III,Oxytocin-Associated Neurophysin,Vasopressin-Associated Neurophysin,Neurophysin, Oxytocin-Associated,Neurophysin, Vasopressin-Associated,Oxytocin Associated Neurophysin,Vasopressin Associated Neurophysin
D010121 Oxytocin A nonapeptide hormone released from the neurohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, POSTERIOR). It differs from VASOPRESSIN by two amino acids at residues 3 and 8. Oxytocin acts on SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS, such as causing UTERINE CONTRACTIONS and MILK EJECTION. Ocytocin,Pitocin,Syntocinon
D010286 Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus Nucleus in the anterior part of the HYPOTHALAMUS. Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus,Paraventricular Nucleus,Hypothalamic Nucleus, Paraventricular,Nucleus, Hypothalamic Paraventricular,Nucleus, Paraventricular,Nucleus, Paraventricular Hypothalamic,Paraventricular Nucleus, Hypothalamic
D001923 Brain Chemistry Changes in the amounts of various chemicals (neurotransmitters, receptors, enzymes, and other metabolites) specific to the area of the central nervous system contained within the head. These are monitored over time, during sensory stimulation, or under different disease states. Chemistry, Brain,Brain Chemistries,Chemistries, Brain
D003712 Dendrites Extensions of the nerve cell body. They are short and branched and receive stimuli from other NEURONS. Dendrite
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D001369 Axons Nerve fibers that are capable of rapidly conducting impulses away from the neuron cell body. Axon

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