title: Immunocytochemical localization of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in the brain of the lizard, Lacerta muralis.
abstract: The distribution of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) was studied in the brain of the lizard Lacerta muralis by means of immunocytochemical staining methods. alpha-MSH-like containing cells were found in the ventro-lateral preoptic area and the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. Some scattered cells staining for alpha-MSH were also detected in the mesencephalo-diencephalic boundary region, while numerous alpha-MSH-like nerve fibres were localized in the medial eminence. No reaction was observed after the use of antiserum preabsorbed with synthetic antigen. These findings suggest that an alpha-MSH-like peptidergic system could possibly be involved in the hypothalamo-hypophysial regulation and/or play a role as neurotransmitter in this animal.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D007106:Immune Sera; D008116:Lizards; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones / Q000032:analysis*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D007106:Immune Sera; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones