Convergence of substance P and estrogen receptor immunoreactivity in the midbrain central gray of female guinea pigs.
Substance P (SP) and estrogen receptor immunoreactivity overlap in the midbrain central gray (MCG) of female guinea pigs. Estrogen-receptor-containing cells are found throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the MCG. Moderately dense SP immunostaining is also found in this region. SP-immunoreactive punctate structures suggestive of boutons were found in close association with the processes of some estrogen-receptor-immunoreactive neurons. These associations were observed primarily in the lateral and ventrolateral MCG at the midcollicular and caudal levels. This findings suggests an anatomical substrate for interactions between SP and estradiol-sensitive neurons in the midbrain. Such interactions may underlie the effects of SP on female sexual behavior.
Turcotte
J C
JC
Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003-7710, USA.
Blaustein
J D
JD
D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000737:chemistry; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000737:chemistry*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D013373:Substance P / Q000032:analysis*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D013373:Substance P