NADPH diaphorase activity around the suprachiasmatic nucleus in rat brain

• Published in: Cell and tissue research Vol. 283; no. 2; pp. 335 - 338
• Main Authors: Lupi, D, Debernardis, D, Vallerga, S, Morgan, P J, Djamgoz, M B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01-02-1996
• Subjects: Animals; Biomarkers; Circadian Rhythm - physiology; Hypothalamus, Anterior - enzymology; Male; NADPH Dehydrogenase - analysis; Nerve Tissue Proteins - analysis; Nitric Oxide - biosynthesis; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Suprachiasmatic Nucleus - enzymology; Suprachiasmatic Nucleus - physiology
• ISSN: 0302-766X; 1432-0878
• DOI: 10.1007/s004410050544

The 'nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase' histochemical technique was used as a marker of neuronal nitric oxide synthase to assess the presence of the enzyme in the anterior hypothalamus of the rat. Particular attention was focused on the subparaventricular zone, periventricular area and suprachiasmatic nucleus. The results show that there is strong staining in the anterior hypothalamus particularly in the subparaventricular zone by the perinuclear regions of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and in the periventricular nucleus. Some diaphorase activity was also seen within the suprachiasmatic nucleus, but this was much weaker than in the surrounding areas. These results, taken together with existing evidence, would further suggest the involvement of nitric oxide in the signal transduction pathway in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.