穹窿切断后海马神经元GR表达变化的研究

目的实施大鼠穹窿切断术研究海马神经元核受体GR(glucocorticoidreceptor糖皮质激素受体)表达的变化。方法建立大鼠穹窿切断模型,于穹窿切断术后0、4、7、10d取材;同时取材假手术组(非穹窿切断术)作为对照,应用免疫组化、WesternBlotting方法分别进行各组海马神经元GR表达变化的观察及定量检测。结果穹窿切断7d后,免疫组化和WesternBlotting结果显示海马神经元GR表达下调,10d下调更为显著。结论穹窿切断后,海马GR表达下调,提示可能减弱海马对HPA轴的抑制。     

睡眠中间断低氧对大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴和生长激素的影响

目的:探讨睡眠中间断低氧对大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴和生长激素水平的影响.方法:大鼠分别给予吸入空气,持续低氧和间断低氧气体,在1 d,3 d,7 d和30 d后测定下丘脑促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素(CRH)和生长激素释放激素(GHRH)mRNA水平,并测定30d后血浆CRH,GHRH,促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)和皮质酮水平,分析其间的变化关系.结果:与对照组比较,在低氧后1 d,3 d,7 d后大鼠下丘脑CRH mRNA升高,GHRH mRNA降低,在30 d后,间断低氧组下丘脑CRH mRNA升高,GHRH mRNA降低,而持续低氧组则接近正常.间断低氧30 d后,血浆CRH、ACTH,皮质酮均升高,GHRH降低,而生长激素没有明显变化.结论:大鼠睡眠中慢性间断低氧可以引起下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴激素水平升高,反馈调节紊乱,可引起GHRH分泌抑制.     

Lewis大鼠下丘脑中肾阳虚相关mRNA表达及超微结构观察

目的通过对Lewis大鼠下丘脑肾阳虚相关基因表达和超微结构的观察,进一步对Lewis大鼠肾阳虚体质进行研究。方法采用Lewis大鼠与皮下注射氢化可的松法的肾阳虚模型进行比较,并通过检测各组大鼠下丘脑中TNF-α、IFN-γ、IL-10、CRH、MR、GR mRNA表达和下丘脑、肾上腺组织超微结构的观察等,对Lewis大鼠肾阳虚体质机制进行研究。结果与正常Wistar大鼠比较,Lewis组大鼠下丘脑GR、IL-2 mRNA表达明显升高(P0.01),而下丘脑CRH、TNF-α、IFN-γ、IL-10 mRNA表达明显降低(P0.01);Lewis大鼠肾上腺皮质束状带略变薄,线粒体减少,且有轻微变形肿胀;Lewis大鼠下丘脑神经元细胞体胞核大,核形不规则,线粒体明显减少,神经细胞突触减少,突触前部的分泌小泡减少。结论 Lewis大鼠下丘脑和肾上腺存在一定程度的超微结构改变,且免疫相关细胞因子和CRH mRNA的异常表达,这可能与其自身HPA轴的功能失衡有关。     

维吾尔药神香草调节哮喘大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴功能紊乱的实验研究

目的：观察维吾尔药（维药）神香草对哮喘大鼠模型神经内分泌免疫网络若干组分的影响。方法：取雄性健康Wistar大鼠50只,随机分为正常对照组,哮喘模型组,神香草低、中、高剂量治疗组。采用致敏和雾化的方法制备哮喘模型。采用酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）方法检测血清中白介素-4（IL^4）、白介素-6（IL-6）、干扰素-γ（IFN-γ）、皮质酮（CORT）水平;放免法检测血浆中促肾上腺皮质激素（ACTH）的含量;采用实时定量-聚合酶链反应（RT—PCR）法测定下丘脑促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素（CRH）mRNA表达水平。结果：哮喘反复发作时,大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺（HPA）轴紊乱,哮喘大鼠下丘脑CRHmRNA表达和血浆ACTH无明显变化,实验各组血清CORT水平升高（P〈0．05）,神香草高剂量组血清CORT含量高于低剂量组（P〈0．05）。细胞因子IFN-γ无明显变化,IL-6、IL-4有下降趋势（P〈0．05）。结论：哮喘反复发作的大鼠存在NEI网络的紊乱;神香草可以增强下丘脑．垂体．肾上腺皮质（HPA）轴的功能,改善细胞因子的平衡。这些可能是其治疗哮喘的机制之一。     

维吾尔药神香草调节哮喘大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴功能紊乱的实验研究

目的:观察维吾尔药(维药)神香草对哮喘大鼠模型神经内分泌免疫网络若干组分的影响。方法:取雄性健康Wistar大鼠50只,随机分为正常对照组,哮喘模型组,神香草低、中、高剂量治疗组。采用致敏和雾化的方法制备哮喘模型。采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)方法检测血清中白介素-4(IL-4)、白介素-6(IL-6)、干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)、皮质酮(CORT)水平;放免法检测血浆中促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)的含量;采用实时定量-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法测定下丘脑促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素(CRH)mRNA表达水平。结果:哮喘反复发作时,大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺(HPA)轴紊乱,哮喘大鼠下丘脑CRH mRNA表达和血浆ACTH无明显变化,实验各组血清CORT水平升高(P<0.05),神香草高剂量组血清CORT含量高于低剂量组(P<0.05)。细胞因子IFN-γ无明显变化,IL-6、IL-4有下降趋势(P<0.05)。结论:哮喘反复发作的大鼠存在NEI网络的紊乱;神香草可以增强下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺皮质(HPA)轴的功能,改善细胞因子的平衡。这些可能是其治疗哮喘的机制之一。     

颅脑损伤模型大鼠认知功能障碍及P-tau蛋白表达的研究

目的:探讨颅脑损伤模型大鼠认知功能障碍及P-tau蛋白表达变化。方法:将60只Wistar大鼠随机分为假手术组和模型组,模型组根据时间点分为6 h、1 d、7 d和21 d,每组10只。采用改良的Feeney's自由落体装置制备大鼠颅脑损伤模型。损伤后6h、1d、7 d和21 d采用水迷宫法动态观察大鼠认知功能变化,Western blot检测大鼠海马组织P-tau蛋白表达。结果:模型组大鼠颅脑损伤6 h后,逃避潜伏期明显长于假手术组(P0.05),随损伤时间延长,其逃避潜伏期时间逐渐缩短,损伤后7 d逃避潜伏期仍高于假手术组(P0.05)。在损伤同侧脑组织中,与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠损伤后6 h脑组织中P-Tau蛋白表达未见明显差异(P0.05),随损伤时间延长,P-Tau蛋白表达逐渐增多,且在损伤后7 d表达最高(P0.05),21 d时减少(P0.05)。在损伤对侧脑组织中,与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠损伤后6 h脑组织P-tau表达明显增高(P0.05),1 d时处于较高水平(P0.05),后逐渐减少,7 d,21 d时P-tau表达无差异(P0.05)。结论:颅脑损伤可导致大鼠出现认知功能障碍,其损伤脑组织P-tau蛋白表达呈现先增加后减少趋势,且以损伤中后期表达明显。     

胰岛素对阿尔茨海然病大鼠血浆血小板活化因子及海马突触可塑性的影响

目的：探讨胰岛素对阿尔茨海默病（AD）大鼠血浆血小板活化因子（PAF）及海马突触可塑性的影响。方法：将30只SD大鼠随机分为治疗组（10只）、模型组（10只）、假手术组（10只）,采用侧脑室注射链脲霉素（STZ）建立AD大鼠模型。治疗组大鼠皮下注射胰岛素（0．1U／kg）,模型组及假手术组大鼠皮下注射等体积的生理盐水（1mL／kg）。通过Morris’s水迷宫实验评估各组大鼠的认知功能,酶联免疫吸附法测定各组大鼠的血浆PAF含量,免疫印迹法检测大鼠海马突触素的表达。结果：治疗4周后,模型组大鼠连续4天水迷宫的潜伏期均显著长于假手术组大鼠（P〈0．05）,而治疗组大鼠第2、3、4天水迷宫潜伏期均较模型组显著缩短（P〈0．05）,但仍长于假手术组大鼠（P〈0．05）;模型组大鼠的血浆PAF含量和海马突触素的表达均显著高于假手术组,而治疗组大鼠的血浆PAF含量和海马突触素的表达均显著低于模型组（P〈0．05）,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：皮下注射胰岛素可改善AD大鼠的认知功能,这可能与其下调AD大鼠血浆PAF水平以及保护突触的可塑性有关。     

低氧暴露条件下高原鼠兔和大鼠HPA轴活动的比较

采用人工模拟低气压低氧的方法比较研究了不同程度（模拟海拔5 km和7 km)和不同时间（24d和5d）低氧暴露,对大鼠和高原鼠兔（Ochotona curzoniae）下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺皮质 (hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenalcortex,HPA)轴活动的影响。结果如下：7 km低氧暴露24 h,大鼠下丘脑的促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素（corticotropin-releasing actor,CRF）和肾上腺皮质激素皮质酮分泌显著增加,大鼠HPA低氧暴露对大鼠HPA 轴活动无显著差异。低氧暴露5天后,大鼠7 km、5 km组的HPA轴活动与对照相比无明显差异。低氧暴露对高原鼠兔的HPA轴无明显影响。上述结果表明：低氧暴露的时间和程度与大鼠HPA的活动密切相关;从HPA的活动来看,高原鼠兔表现出较强的低氧耐受性。     

雌、雄大鼠去势对HPA轴分泌功能影响的比较

目的观察去势手术后雌、雄大鼠在低性激素状态下,下丘脑—垂体—肾上腺(HPA)轴功能的变化,证实性激素可对HPA轴的功能产生影响,并分析这种影响是否存在性别差异和时长效应。方法选用SPF级8周龄SD大鼠80只(雌雄各半),体重180~220 g,采用完全随机设计法,利用随机数字表将其分为雄性模型组、雄性对照组、雌性模型组、雌性对照组,每组20只大鼠,适应性饲养一周后行去势手术,于造模后第3周及第13周心脏取血,采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测血清中促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素(CRH)、促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)、皮质酮(CORT)含量并进行统计分析。结果经检测造模第3周雄性模型组大鼠血清CRH、CORT含量显著低于对照组(P0.01),血清ACTH含量低于对照组(P0.05);雌性模型组大鼠血清CRH、CORT含量均低于对照组(P0.05),血清ACTH含量有下降趋势。造模第13周,雄性模型组大鼠血清CORT含量显著低于对照组(P0.01),其他激素含量变化不明显;雌性模型组大鼠血清CORT含量低于对照组(P0.05),其他激素含量变化不明显。雌、雄模型组大鼠造模后第13周与第3周组内相比CRH、ACTH、CORT的含量均无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论无论雌、雄,去势均可造成大鼠HPA轴功能的紊乱,表现为外周血CRH、ACTH、CORT水平下降,雄激素对雄鼠HPA轴的影响要大于雌激素对雌鼠的影响。推测雄激素可能更加有利于上述三种激素的产生。当雌、雄大鼠处于稳定的低性激素状态,其HPA轴分泌功能不随着大鼠周龄的增长而发生改变。     

间歇性低压低氧预处理对脑缺血大鼠海马p-p38 MAPK表达的影响

目的:本文旨在观察间歇性低压低氧(IH)预处理诱导脑缺血耐受过程中,大鼠海马CA1区磷酸化p38MAPK(p-p38 MAPK)的表达以及表达p-p38 MAPK的星形胶质细胞数量。方法:将30只健康雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为6组(n=5):假手术(sham)0 min组、IH+sham 0 min组、sham 7 d组、IH+sham 7 d组、损伤性缺血(Is)7 d组、IH+Is 7 d组。通过硫堇染色对各组大鼠海马CA1区锥体神经元进行神经病理学评价;免疫组织化学染色观察pp38 MAPK的表达;免疫荧光双标法观察表达p-p38 MAPK的星形胶质细胞数量。结果:IH预处理可以诱导脑缺血耐受,同时引起大鼠海马CA1区p-p38 MAPK的表达明显增加,且上调星形胶质细胞中p-p38 MAPK的表达。结论:低压低氧预处理促大鼠海马CA1区锥体神经元和星形胶质细胞中p-p38MAPK上调可能是IH预处理保护脑的一个途经。     

Prenatal exposure to dexamethasone alters hippocampal drive on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in adult male rats

Glucocorticoids are essential for normal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity; however, recent studies warn that exposure to excess endogenous or synthetic glucocorticoid during a specific period of prenatal development adversely affects HPA axis stability. We administered dexamethasone (DEX) to pregnant rats during the last week of gestation and investigated subsequent HPA axis regulation in adult male offspring in unrestrained and restraint-stressed conditions. With the use of real-time PCR and RIA, we examined the expression of regulatory genes in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and pituitary, including corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), arginine vasopressin (AVP), glucocorticoid receptors (GR), mineralcorticoid receptors (MR), and 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (11beta-HSD-1), as well as the main HPA axis hormones, adrenal corticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT). Our results demonstrate that the DEX-exposed group exhibited an overall change in the pattern of gene expression and hormone levels in the unrestrained animals. These changes included an upregulation of CRH in the hypothalamus, a downregulation of MR with a concomitant upregulation of 11beta-HSD-1 in the hippocampus, and an increase in circulating levels of both ACTH and CORT relative to unrestrained control animals. Interestingly, both DEX-exposed and control rats exhibited an increase in pituitary GR mRNA levels following a 1-h recovery from restraint stress; however, the increased expression in DEX-exposed rats was significantly less and was associated with a slower return to baseline CORT compared with controls. In addition, circulating levels of ACTH and CORT as well as hypothalamic CRH and hippocampal 11beta-HSD-1 expression levels were significantly higher in the DEX-exposed group compared with controls following restraint stress. Taken together, these data demonstrate that late-gestation DEX exposure in rats is associated with persistent changes in both the modulation of HPA axis activity and the HPA axis-mediated response to stress.     

Repeated citalopram treatment but not stress exposure attenuates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis response to acute citalopram injection

Many experimental, clinical and epidemiological studies have shown a direct connection between exposure to stress or adverse life events and disease, but little is known about the effect of stress on the action of drugs. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that previous exposure to stress changes the action of the antidepressant drug citalopram (10 mg/kg, i.p.) on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis function, gene expression of selected neuropeptides and serotonin reuptake. Three different stress models were used, which included immobilization, restraint and unpredictable stress stimuli. Samples of plasma for hormone measurement were taken from conscious cannulated animals. Changes in corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary, respectively, and the ability of citalopram to inhibit serotonin reuptake were investigated. The exposure to three different stress models did not influence citalopram action on individual parameters of HPA axis and on serotonin reuptake. On the other hand, repeated administration of the drug led to significant attenuation of ACTH and CRH mRNA responses. The present results allow to suggest that the stressors used did not influence serotonergic neurotransmission to the extent that would modify HPA axis response to citalopram challenge. Activation of HPA axis by acute citalopram treatment was found to be accompanied by increased CRH gene expression in the hypothalamus. Repeated administration of the drug led to the development of tolerance to activation of central and peripheral components of HPA axis, but not to serotonin reuptake inhibition.     

Mathematical modeling of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal gland (HPA) axis,including hippocampal mechanisms

This paper presents a mathematical model of the HPA axis. The HPA axis consists of the hypothalamus, the pituitary and the adrenal glands in which the three hormones CRH, ACTH and cortisol interact through receptor dynamics. Furthermore, it has been suggested that receptors in the hippocampus have an influence on the axis.     

Functional Programming of the Autonomic Nervous System by Early Life Immune Exposure: Implications for Anxiety

Neonatal exposure of rodents to an immune challenge alters a variety of behavioural and physiological parameters in adulthood. In particular, neonatal lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.05 mg/kg, i.p.) exposure produces robust increases in anxiety-like behaviour, accompanied by persistent changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning. Altered autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity is an important physiological contributor to the generation of anxiety. Here we examined the long term effects of neonatal LPS exposure on ANS function and the associated changes in neuroendocrine and behavioural indices. ANS function in Wistar rats, neonatally treated with LPS, was assessed via analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the adrenal glands on postnatal days (PNDs) 50 and 85, and via plethysmographic assessment of adult respiratory rate in response to mild stress (acoustic and light stimuli). Expression of genes implicated in regulation of autonomic and endocrine activity in the relevant brain areas was also examined. Neonatal LPS exposure produced an increase in TH phosphorylation and activity at both PNDs 50 and 85. In adulthood, LPS-treated rats responded with increased respiratory rates to the lower intensities of stimuli, indicative of increased autonomic arousal. These changes were associated with increases in anxiety-like behaviours and HPA axis activity, alongside altered expression of the GABA-A receptor α2 subunit, CRH receptor type 1, CRH binding protein, and glucocorticoid receptor mRNA levels in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus. The current findings suggest that in addition to the commonly reported alterations in HPA axis functioning, neonatal LPS challenge is associated with a persistent change in ANS activity, associated with, and potentially contributing to, the anxiety-like phenotype. The findings of this study reflect the importance of changes in the perinatal microbial environment on the ontogeny of physiological processes.     

Downregulation of melanocortin-4 receptor during refeeding and its modulation by adrenalectomy in rats

Melanocortin system and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) are implicated in the control of feeding behavior. Besides its anorexigenic effect on food intake, CRH is one of the most important regulators of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Therefore, there could be an interplay between HPA axis activity and melanocortin system. We investigated the expression of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4-R) mRNA in the hypothalamus of rats after 14 days of food restriction or after a fasting-refeeding regimen, in sham or adrenalectomized rats. Male Wistar rats were subjected to free access to food or food ingestion restricted for 2 h a day (8-10 AM) during 14 d, when plasma corticosterone, ACTH, insulin, leptin concentrations, and MC4-R mRNA expression were determined before and after refeeding. Another set of rats was fasted for 48 h, followed by refeeding during 2 or 4 h on the seventh day after adrenalectomy (ADX) or sham surgery. On the day of the experiment, rats were anesthetized and perfused and the brain processed for MC4-R mRNA by in situ hybridization. Long-term reduction of food intake, either secondary to food restriction or adrenalectomy, reduced body weight gain and also leptin and insulin plasma concentrations. Food ingestion reduced MC4-R expression in the paraventricular nucleus in naive rats subjected to food restriction and also in sham rats fasted for 48 h. However, after ADX, MC4-R expression was not changed by refeeding. In conclusion, the present data indicate that MC4-R expression is downregulated by food ingestion and this response could be modulated by glucocorticoid withdrawal.     

Ghrelin is released from rat hypothalamic explants and stimulates corticotrophin-releasing hormone and arginine-vasopressin.

Ghrelin and synthetic growth hormone secretagogues have diverse effects on the hypothalamus including effects on appetite and the growth hormone axis as well as on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We previously studied the effect of synthetic growth hormone secretagogues on CRH and AVP release from rat hypothalami in vitro, and now report on the effects of ghrelin on CRH and AVP release. The ghrelin protein content and ghrelin output from rat hypothalamic explants was measured using a specific novel ghrelin enzyme immunoassay. The effect of 10(-8) M to 10(-6) M ghrelin on CRH and AVP release was studied in the rat hypothalamic explants, where stimulation with des-octanoyl ghrelin was used as control. The presence of both ghrelin mRNA and protein could be shown in the rat hypothalamus. Ghrelin output was detected in the incubation fluid of rat hypothalamic explants and could be stimulated with high potassium concentrations. Our data also demonstrated a dose-dependent effect of ghrelin on both CRH and AVP release, while des-octanoylated ghrelin showed no effect on either peptide. In summary, the current data suggest that ghrelin is expressed in the hypothalamus both at RNA and the protein levels. Ghrelin stimulates the HPA axis in the rat via stimulation of both CRH, and particularly, AVP release from the hypothalamus. The local autocrine/paracrine and endocrine effects of ghrelin in the hypothalamus could influence all the hormonal systems involved in ghrelin effects, including growth hormone release, the HPA axis and appetite.     

CRH in chronic inflammatory stress

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is an important regulator of inflammation at the central level through hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis control of glucocorticoid secretion. Integrity of the HPA axis during autoimmune disease is critical in controlling the severity of inflammation, but the evidence for an HPA axis defect in the etiology of autoimmune diseases is not compelling. CRH secreted from leukocytes and neuronal terminals in peripheral tissues also plays a role in mediating inflammation. Elucidating the pathways underlying the expression of CRH, both central and peripheral, and interactions of CRH with other inflammatory mediators such as substance P, confers great potential for the development of a new generation of anti-inflammatory agents.     

The Different Roles of Glucocorticoids in the Hippocampus and Hypothalamus in Chronic Stress-Induced HPA Axis Hyperactivity

Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) hyperactivity is observed in many patients suffering from depression and the mechanism underling the dysfunction of HPA axis is not well understood. Chronic stress has a causal relationship with the hyperactivity of HPA axis. Stress induces the over-synthesis of glucocorticoids, which will arrive at all the body containing the brain. It is still complicated whether glucocorticoids account for chronic stress-induced HPA axis hyperactivity and in which part of the brain the glucocorticoids account for chronic stress-induced HPA axis hyperactivity. Here, we demonstrated that glucocorticoids were indispensable and sufficient for chronic stress-induced hyperactivity of HPA axis. Although acute glucocorticoids elevation in the hippocampus and hypothalamus exerted a negative regulation of HPA axis, we found that chronic glucocorticoids elevation in the hippocampus but not in the hypothalamus accounted for chronic stress-induced hyperactivity of HPA axis. Chronic glucocorticoids exposure in the hypothalamus still exerted a negative regulation of HPA axis activity. More importantly, we found mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) - neuronal nitric oxide synthesis enzyme (nNOS) - nitric oxide (NO) pathway mediated the different roles of glucocorticoids in the hippocampus and hypothalamus in regulating HPA axis activity. This study suggests that the glucocorticoids in the hippocampus play an important role in the development of HPA axis hyperactivity and the glucocorticoids in the hypothalamus can''t induce hyperactivity of HPA axis, revealing new insights into understanding the mechanism of depression.     

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide effects on the hypothalamic-neurohypophysial system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

The possibility of sequence-dependent, transient, and local inhibition of neuropeptide or neuropeptide receptor expression within the brain makes antisense targeting an attractive approach for those interested in the involvement of brain neuropeptide systems in behavioral and neuroendocrine regulation. Here, I describe our attempts to manipulate the synthetic activity of peptidergic systems of the hypothalamic-neurohypophysial system, i.e. , oxytocin and vasopressin, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides. Detailed experimental protocols including different approaches for intracerebral antisense application in anesthetized or conscious rats are provided. As a consequence of local oxytocin or vasopressin antisense treatment within the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus, various aspects of the neuronal activity are already altered after a few hours. Thus, we monitored electrophysiological parameters of oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic neurons, stimulus-induced expression of the Fos protein in oxytocin neurons, and stimulated release of oxytocin or vasopressin into blood as well as within the hypothalamus by dendrites and cell bodies as measured by simultaneous microdialysis in blood and brain, shortly after a single acute antisense infusion. We also employed chronic antisense infusion via osmotic minipumps or by repeated local infusion into the targeted brain region; for example, septal vasopressin receptor downregulation impairs the ability of male rats to discriminate between juvenile rats. Further, reduction of the amount of available CRH, vasopressin, and oxytocin within the hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei alters the neuroendocrine stress response of the HPA axis.