Sex differences in neuropeptide distribution in the rat brain.
We have investigated possible sex differences in the regional concentrations of neuropeptides in the rat brain. Immunoreactive neurotensin (NT), neurokinin A (NKA), galanin (GAL), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were measured by radioimmunoassay in frontal cortex, occipital cortex, hippocampus, striatum, hypothalamus and pituitary in male and female pre- and postpubertal rats. Sex differences were found for NPY (p < 0.001), NT (p < 0.01) and GAL (p < 0.05), in particular in hippocampus, striatum, hypothalamus and pituitary, but not for CGRP, SP and NKA. Results from analysis of neuropeptides in one sex may not be entirely applicable to the other.
Rugarn
O
O
Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden. matha@kkl.us.lio.se
Hammar
M
M
Theodorsson
A
A
Theodorsson
E
E
Stenfors
C
C
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D019004:Galanin / Q000378:metabolism; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000378:metabolism; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D009496:Neurotensin / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D006728:Hormones; D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D009479:Neuropeptides; D009496:Neurotensin; D019004:Galanin