The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of hypothalamus is emerging as a central site for the integration and coordination of some neuroendocrine and autonomic visceral responses and its importance in the maintenance of homeostasis is proposed. Efferent fiber projections of PV neurons to the pituitary gland and specific brainstem centers associated with the control of cardiovascular and respiratory functions are known. The studies proposed will further our understanding of the organization of afferent peptidergic fiber projections to the paraventricular nucleus and elucidate the significance of these pathways in relation to the neuroendocrine and autonomic functions of the PVN.
The specific aims of this proposal are (1) to describe the cytoarchitectonic organization of ACTH/Beta-endorphin, enkephalin and somatostatin immunoreactive neurons within the functionally distinct subnuclei of the PVN complex and (2) to elucidate the intrinsic synaptic organization and potential interactions and communications of these three central peptidergic systems and magnocellular (vasopressin/oxytocin) PV neurons. The studies proposed will provide an anatomical substrate for functional interactions described between each of the selected neuropeptidergic systems and magnocellular neurons to occur. These findings will be of considerable importance to the neuroendocrinologist interested in the control mechanism of vasopressin and oxytocin secretion and their effects on neuroendocrine and autonomic visceral (e.g. cardiovascular) functions. Anatomical details will be elucidated using Vibratome tissue sections and the basic and double antigen immunocytochemical procedures at both the light and electron microscopic levels.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Modified Research Career Development Award (K04)
Project #
5K04NS000869-04
Application #
3074749
Study Section
Neurology A Study Section (NEUA)
Project Start
1984-07-01
Project End
1989-06-30
Budget Start
1987-07-01
Budget End
1988-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Rochester
Department
Type
School of Medicine & Dentistry
DUNS #
208469486
City
Rochester
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14627
Hornby, P J; Piekut, D T (1990) Distribution of catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes in goldfish brains: presumptive dopamine and norepinephrine neuronal organization. Brain Behav Evol 35:49-64
Pretel, S; Piekut, D (1990) Coexistence of corticotropin-releasing factor and enkephalin in the paraventricular nucleus of the rat. J Comp Neurol 294:192-201
Pretel, S; Piekut, D T (1990) Coexistence of CRF peptide and oxytocin mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus. Peptides 11:621-4
Pretel, S; Piekut, D T (1989) Mediation of changes in paraventricular vasopressin and oxytocin mRNA content to the medullary vagal complex and spinal cord of the rat. J Chem Neuroanat 2:327-34
Hornby, P J; Piekut, D T (1989) Opiocortin and catecholamine input to CRF-immunoreactive neurons in rat forebrain. Peptides 10:1139-46
Berlove, D J; Piekut, D T (1989) Vasopressin receptor distribution in adrenalectomized rats using vasopressin anti-idiotype. Peptides 10:877-81
Hornby, P J; Piekut, D T (1988) Anatomical evidence for interaction of ACTH1-39 immunostained fibers and hypothalamic paraventricular neurons that project to the dorsal vagal complex. Histochemistry 90:201-6
Hornby, P J; Piekut, D T; Demski, L S (1987) Localization of immunoreactive tyrosine hydroxylase in the goldfish brain. J Comp Neurol 261:1-14
Piekut, D T (1987) Interactions of immunostained ACTH1-39 fibers and CRF neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of rat hypothalamus: application of avidin-glucose oxidase to dual immunostaining procedures. J Histochem Cytochem 35:261-5
Hornby, P J; Piekut, D T (1987) Catecholamine distribution and relationship to magnocellular neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the rat. Cell Tissue Res 248:239-46

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