Demonstration of the vasopressin associated glycopeptide in the brain and peripheral tissues of the Brattleboro rat.

An antibody that recognizes the C-terminal portion of the vasopressin precursor was used to visualize this peptide (CPP) in the brain and peripheral tissues of the Brattleboro rat. CPP-immunoreactivity was detected in adrenal medullary cells and in Leydig and Sertoli cells of the testis. In addition, CPP positive cells were found in the supraoptic and paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei of colchicine treated and adrenalectomized rats. These results suggest that Brattleboro rats may make a small amount of normal vasopressin precursor.