Nitric oxide synthase in the subfornical organ of Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), mouse and rat.
The present paper aims to contribute to the knowledge of the histophysiologic role of the subfornical organ. Using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase histochemistry (NADPH-diaporase) and nitric oxide synthase immunocytochemistry, we detected a high concentration of the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase in neurons of the subfornical organ of the adult Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), mouse and rat. Our results suggest that neurons of the subfornical organ produce a considerable amount of nitric oxide which acts, not only as a neurotransmitter, but could also diffuse into cerebral blood vessels and cerebrospinal fluid.
Krstic
R
R
Institute of Histology and Embryology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
Nicolas
D
D
Novier
A
A
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005849:Gerbillinae; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009252:NADPH Dehydrogenase / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D013045:Species Specificity; D013356:Subfornical Organ / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*
D007527:Isoenzymes; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D009252:NADPH Dehydrogenase