FURTHER-STUDIES ON THE IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF ALPHA-MSH IN THE RAT-BRAIN

Using two different specific antisera directed against α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), the immunoperoxidase localization of α-MSH was performed on sections of the rat brain. With one antiserum, some nerve fibers stained for α-MSH were seen close to the apex of ependymal cells near the lumen of the lateral and third ventricles. With the other antiserum, α-MSH positive nerve fibers were localized in the pia mater. These results indicate that two different specific antisera directed against a same molecule can probably recognize different antigenic sites of this molecule. Our findings also suggest a possible source of release for the α-MSH present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). © 1979.