Ultrastructural localization of monoamines and peptides in rat area postrema.

An overall schema for the synaptic interactions of monoaminergic and peptidergic neurons and their relation to the ventricle and to blood vessels within the rat area postrema is presented. The specific markers include: 1) the immunocytochemical localization of the catecholamine-synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, and the neuropeptides enkephalin and substance P; and 2) the radioautographic localization of [3H]serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and 3H-labeled amino acids anterogradely transported from the nodose ganglion.