The effects of cold exposure on the activity of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysis of the golden hamster ( MesocricetusAuratus)

Abstract

1. 1. Cold exposure caused depletion of vasopressin in the neural lobe without altering the amount of neurophysin or neurosecretory material. 2. 2. The nuclei of the cell bodies of the supraoptic neurones were enlarged and there was evidence of increased nucleolar margination. 3. 3. The results suggested that the neurosecretory system was activated by low environmental temperatures, and that despite vasopressin release and free access to water there was evidence of dehydration in the blood of these animals.