Immunocytochemical localization of a galanin-like peptide (GALP) in pituicytes of the rat posterior pituitary gland.
A galanin-like peptide (GALP) was recently isolated as a ligand of GalR2, a galanin receptor subtype. The GALP mRNA is expressed in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and the posterior pituitary (PP). In this study, we demonstrated the localization of GALP-immunoreactive (-ir) cells in the rat PP. In normal conditions, a few GALP-ir cells were detected in the PP, and these cells increased on dehydration for 4 days. The GALP-immunopositive reaction was dramatically enhanced by the intraperitoneal injection of colchicine. For the identification of GALP-ir cells in the PP, we performed electron microscopic observation, and also double immunocytochemical staining for GALP and S-100 protein. Both studies clearly indicated that the GALP-ir cells in the PP are pituicytes.
Fujiwara
Ken
K
Department of Regulation Biology, Faculty of Science, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Saitama 338-0825, Japan.
Adachi
Sachika
S
Usui
Kimie
K
Maruyama
Minoru
M
Matsumoto
Hirokazu
H
Ohtaki
Tetsuya
T
Kitada
Chieko
C
Onda
Haruo
H
Fujino
Masahiko
M
Inoue
Kinji
K
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D015415:Biomarkers; D019921:Biotinylation; D003078:Colchicine / Q000494:pharmacology; D003681:Dehydration / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D044089:Galanin-Like Peptide; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D010904:Pituitary Gland, Posterior / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000032:analysis
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015415:Biomarkers; D044089:Galanin-Like Peptide; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D009418:S100 Proteins; D003078:Colchicine