Differential displacement of cells from the median eminence into the arcuate nucleus during puberty. Effects of melatonin administration.

A displacement of catecholaminergic-positive and catalase-containing cells from the median eminence into the arcuate nucleus at puberty has been described previously. This study reports on the displacement phenomena after postnatal administration of melatonin. Catalase-positive cells undergo a delayed displacement from the median eminence into the arcuate nucleus. However, part of this cell population lags behind within the median eminence. This differential reaction of cell displacement by catalase-positive cells is considered as a special reaction of these cells to melatonin administration.