Changes of neurosecretory material content in neurohypophysis of rats submitted to chronic treatment with copper.

The effect of copper on neurosecretory material (NSM) content in neurohypophysis of rats was investigated. The control group of animal was treated with deionized water, the others with copper sulphate solutions containing 3.6 or 12 mg Cu/dm3 for 7 or 14 days. Sections of neurohypophysis were stained by the method reflecting the neurosecretion content in this organ. It was found that copper induces an accumulation of NSM in neurohypophysis. Such an effect depends on the concentration of copper in solutions and on time of treatment.