ROLE OF ADRENERGIC-INNERVATION IN REGULATION OF SECRETORY ACTIVITY OF CELLS OF THE RAT SUPRAOPTIC NUCLEUS

To study the role of the noradrenergic innervation in the production of peptide neurohormones by cells of the supraoptic nucleus (SON) the substance 6-hydroxydopamine (6-HDA), which causes selective destruction of noradrenergic terminals, was used. The intensity of fluorescence of these terminals in the region of SON 7 days after intraventricular injection of 6-HDA in a dose of 250 μg was sharply reduced and morphological pictures reflecting activation of hormone production by SON cells were observed. According to the results the noradrenergic innervation evidently inhibits synthesis of peptide neurohormones by SON cells and regulates the transport and secretion of peptide neurohormones from the posterior lobe of the pituitary into the general circulation. © 1980 Plenum Publishing Corporation.