ACTION OF GOLD THIOGLUCOSE ON PERICAPILLARY STRUCTURES IN THE VENTROMEDIAL HYPOTHALAMUS

GTG [gold thioglucose] administration to mice leads to death of all structures in a circumscribed area of the VMH [ventromedial hypothalamus] as a result of loss of blood circulation. The loss of circulation is due to damage by GTG of neural processes adjacent to some of the capillaries in this area; damage to these processes leads to abnormal capillary permeability. Pericapillary damage occurs under conditions where capillary damage and consequent necrosis are prevented. Abnormal capillary permeability appears to follow release of a vasoactive substance from the damaged neural processes. Damage to the pericapillary neural processes by GTG is insulin-dependent and is counteracted by glucocorticoids.