Vasopressin location and relative quantification within the vampire bat (Desmodus rotundas) brain

Vasopressin was localized in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), paraventricular nucleus, amygdala, habenula, and the posterior pituitary. Microdensitometry analysis revealed an inversely proportionate relationship between the relative vasopressin levels in the SON and the posterior pituitary when exposed to varying periods of dehydration. Short term dehydrated bats displayed increased vasopressin in the SON and decreased levels in the posterior pituitary. Chronically dehydrated bats displayed decreased vasopressin in the SON with increased levels in the posterior pituitary.