Login | Register

NADPH-d staining in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei increases in late pregnant and lactating rats and is influenced by ovarian steroids and central oxytocin levels

Title:

NADPH-d staining in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei increases in late pregnant and lactating rats and is influenced by ovarian steroids and central oxytocin levels

Popeski, Naomi (1997) NADPH-d staining in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei increases in late pregnant and lactating rats and is influenced by ovarian steroids and central oxytocin levels. Masters thesis, Concordia University.

[thumbnail of MQ40185.pdf]
Preview
Text (application/pdf)
MQ40185.pdf
2MB

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated that staining for NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) a histochemical marker for nitric oxide synthase is increased in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei in late pregnancy. This work was extended to investigate whether increases in staining were evident at other times during pregnancy and lactation. The number of cells in the SON and PVN that stained for NADPH-d in rats on Day 4, 12, 16, and 22 of pregnancy and on Day 4, 12, and 20 of lactation was compared to that in virgin females. In other studies, the influence of ovarian hormones and central oxytocin infusion on NADPH-d staining in these nuclei was examined. Staining in the SON and PVN was compared among ovariectomized (ovex) animals exposed to either a steroid hormone regimen that mimics late pregnancy (estrogen (E) + progesterone (P) treatment followed by P removal), E alone, E + P, or cholesterol alone. A second study compared NADPH-d staining in ovex animals exposed to either chronic E or cholesterol treatment and infused with oxytocin or vehicle into the third ventricle for 7 days. On the appropriate day, all animals were perfused and the brains were processed for NADPH-d histochemistry. In both the SON and PVN the number of densely stained cells present on Days 12 and 22 of pregnancy and 4 and 12 of lactation was greater than that seen in virgin females. Both the steroid treatment that mimicked late pregnancy and chronic i.c.v. oxytocin infusion in E-primed animals increased NADPH-d staining in ovex animals. These data suggest that, in general, NADPH-d staining in the SON and PVN is increased at times when oxytocin cells in these areas are activated and that the hormonal state associated with late pregnancy is sufficient to up-regulate NADPH-d in these regions

Divisions:Concordia University > Faculty of Arts and Science > Psychology
Item Type:Thesis (Masters)
Authors:Popeski, Naomi
Pagination:viii, 62 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.
Institution:Concordia University
Degree Name:M.A.
Program:Psychology
Date:1997
Thesis Supervisor(s):Woodside, Barbara C
Identification Number:QP 356.4 P67 1997
ID Code:340
Deposited By: Concordia University Library
Deposited On:27 Aug 2009 17:11
Last Modified:13 Jul 2020 19:46
Related URLs:
All items in Spectrum are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved. The use of items is governed by Spectrum's terms of access.

Repository Staff Only: item control page

Downloads per month over past year

Research related to the current document (at the CORE website)
- Research related to the current document (at the CORE website)
Back to top Back to top