IN VITRO STUDIES OF THE RELEASE MECHANISM FOR VASOPRESSIN IN RATS.

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Abstract
Isolated pieces of rat hypothalamus containing the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, respectively, did not release vasopressin when incubated in a medium with a high potassium concentration, or in media containing acetylcholine, noradrenaline or sodium chloride in a hypertonic concentration. The average vasopressor activity that could be extracted from the supraoptic region was equivalent to 8 milli-units of vasopressin per 100 g rat, whereas extract of the paraventricular region contained little pressor activity. The results seem to be in accordance with the hypothesis that the first precursor(s) of vasopressin is synthesized predominantly in the supraoptic nucleus and that the neurosecretory granules go through a »maturation« process during their passage from the hypothalamus to nerve endings in the neurohypophysis. Not until they reach the nerve endings do they contribute to the formation of the pool from which the hormone may be easily mobilized.

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