Vasopressin cells in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of the rat: sex differences and the influence of androgens.

A sex difference in the number of vasopressin-immunoreactive cells was found in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of the rat. The number of cells found in males exceeded the female corresponding value. A sharp decrease in the number of vasopressin-immunoreactive cells was noted 21 weeks after the castration of adult male rats. This decline could be reversed completely by a 5-week testosterone substitution therapy.