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NADPH diaphorase activity in the posterior pituitary: relation to neuronal function
Brain Research
|January 6, 1987
Summary
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) diaphorase activity increases in the rat posterior pituitary gland after salt loading. This suggests NADPHd activity can assess neuronal function in specific populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Histochemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Magnocellular neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, medial basal hypothalamus fibers, and posterior pituitary exhibit NADPH diaphorase activity (NADPHd).
- The hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system regulates fluid balance and is activated by salt loading.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between neuronal function and NADPHd activity in the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system.
- To determine if salt loading alters NADPHd activity in specific neuronal populations.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent 8 days of salt loading to stimulate the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system.
- NADPHd activity was measured using a spectrophotometric assay in hypothalamic and posterior pituitary tissues.
Main Results:
- Salt loading significantly increased NADPHd activity in the posterior pituitary gland.
- No significant change in NADPHd activity was observed in the hypothalamus following salt loading.
Conclusions:
- NADPHd activity in the posterior pituitary gland correlates with neuronal function.
- NADPHd assays offer a potential method for assessing neuronal activity in specific neuronal populations, particularly within the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system.