Simultaneous monitoring of intracerebral release and behavior: endogenous vasopressin improves social recognition

M Engelmann, M Ludwig, R Landgraft

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

We previously reported that direct osmotic stimulation of the supraoptic nucleus (SON) of rats via a microdialysis probe produces a robust 'rebound' release of endogenous vasopressin (AVP) into the extracellular fluid of this hypothalamic nucleus. We now demonstrate in a combined microdialysis and push-pull perfusion study that this intranuclear release is accompanied by increased AVP release in the septum. Simultaneous monitoring of intranuclear release and behavioral performance in the same animal indicated a significant correlation between the amount of endogenously released AVP and improved social memory based on the olfactory discriminative capacities of adult male rats. This memory improvement was partially blocked by local administration of a AVP V1 receptor antagonist either into the SON or septum. These findings indicate that direct osmotic stimulation of the supraoptic nucleus, which increases intracerebral vasopressin release, improves the acquisition and/or processing of olfactory stimuli. Thus, the endogenous neuropeptide fulfills one of the major criteria for being causally involved as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator in behavioral performance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)391-5
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Neuroendocrinology
Volume6
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Aug 1994

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Animals
  • Antidiuretic Hormone Receptor Antagonists
  • Arginine Vasopressin
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid
  • Dialysis
  • Male
  • Memory
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Perfusion
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Septum Pellucidum
  • Supraoptic Nucleus

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