Ontogeny of neuropeptides in the nucleus ventromedialis hypothalami of the rat: an immunohistochemical analysis.

The ontogeny of leucine-enkephalin (ENK)-, cholecystokinin-8 (CCK)-, substance P (SP)- and neurotensin (NT)-like immunoreactive structures were examined in the nucleus ventromedialis hypothalami (vm) of the rat by means of an indirect immunofluorescence method. ENK- (ENKI), SP- (SPI) and CCK-like immunoreactive (CCKI) structures in the vm exhibited very similar ontogenetic developments, though no CCKI cells were detected. ENKI fibers as well as SPI fibers and neurons first appeared at gestational day 21, ENKI neurons at postnatal day 2, and CCKI fibers at postnatal day 1. These structures subsequently increased in number. The maximum content was reached at postnatal day 21 and was observed even in the adult rats (postnatal day 30). On the other hand, NTI fibers first appeared at postnatal day 1; they decreased in number and no or only a few NTI fibers were seen in the adult rats. No NTI cells were seen in the vm.