Immuohistochemical demonstration of alpha-atrial natriretic plypeptide-containing neurons in the rat brain.

Using the immunoperoxidase technique in conjunction with specific antisera to alpha-atrial natriuretic polypeptide (alpha-ANP), it was shown that immunoreactive cell bodies and varicose fibers are widely distributed throughout the rat brain. The highest concentrations of alpha-ANP-containing neuronal cell bodies and fibers were found in the hypothalamus and septum. This result confirms the radioimmunological determination of alpha-ANP immunoreactivity in the rat brain.