title: Identification of serotonin- and vasopressin immunoreactivities in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of four mammalian species.
abstract: The distribution of serotonin- and vasopressin immunoreactivities in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of four mammalian species was studied with the use of the modified peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method and antisera to serotonin and vasopressin. In the SCN of the rat, hamster and cat, we noted a large number of serotonin-immunoreactive nerve fibers particularly in the ventral area, where these fibers containing small varicosities (less than 1 micron in diameter) formed a dense plexus. In the monkey (Macaca fuscata), however, only few serotonin-containing fibers were evident throughout the SCN. Vasopressin-immunoreactive somata and fibers were distributed in large numbers in the SCN of the rat, hamster, cat and monkey, especially in the dorsal nuclear area. Regional and species-related differences of serotonin- and vasopressin distribution in the SCN were elucidated; possible functional differences between the ventral and dorsal areas of the SCN are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D006224:Cricetinae; D005260:Female; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008251:Macaca; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012701:Serotonin / Q000032:analysis*; D013045:Species Specificity; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000032:analysis*; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D014667:Vasopressins; D012701:Serotonin