VIP-like immunoreactivity in the anterior hypothalamic area of a hibernating bat varies with physiological state.
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-like immunoreactivity in the anterior hypothalamic area (AHA) was studied in 15 bats which are seasonal hibernators, using the unlabeled antibody enzyme method of Sternberger. Our results showed that the density of immunoreactive fibers and terminal plexuses in the AHA was greatest in euthermic animals and decreased dramatically when body temperature and cardiac rate were depressed and animals entered hibernation.
Laemle
L K
LK
Department of Anatomy, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103.
Cotter
J R
JR
D000818:Animals; D007025:Anterior Hypothalamic Nucleus / Q000502:physiology*; D001831:Body Temperature; D002685:Chiroptera / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006605:Hibernation; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology
D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide