Hypothalamic Binding Sites Research Articles

Hypertension in Prenatally Undernourished Young-Adult Rats Is Maintained by Tonic Reciprocal Paraventricular-Coerulear Excitatory Interactions.

Prenatally malnourished rats develop hypertension in adulthood, in part through increased α1-adrenoceptor-mediated outflow from the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) to the sympathetic system. We studied whether both α1-adrenoceptor-mediated noradrenergic excitatory pathways from the locus coeruleus (LC) to the PVN and their reciprocal excitatory CRFergic connections contribute to prenatal undernutrition-induced hypertension. For that purpose, we microinjected either α1-adrenoceptor or CRH receptor agonists and/or antagonists in the PVN or the LC, respectively. We also determined the α1-adrenoceptor density in whole hypothalamus and the expression levels of α1A-adrenoceptor mRNA in the PVN. The results showed that: (i) agonists microinjection increased systolic blood pressure and heart rate in normotensive eutrophic rats, but not in prenatally malnourished subjects; (ii) antagonists microinjection reduced hypertension and tachycardia in undernourished rats, but not in eutrophic controls; (iii) in undernourished animals, antagonist administration to one nuclei allowed the agonists recover full efficacy in the complementary nucleus, inducing hypertension and tachycardia; (iv) early undernutrition did not modify the number of α1-adrenoceptor binding sites in hypothalamus, but reduced the number of cells expressing α1A-adrenoceptor mRNA in the PVN. These results support the hypothesis that systolic pressure and heart rate are increased by tonic reciprocal paraventricular–coerulear excitatory interactions in prenatally undernourished young-adult rats.

Pindolol-insensitive [3H]-5-hydroxytryptamine binding in the rat hypothalamus; identity with 5-hydroxytryptamine7 receptors.

Pindolol-insensitive [3H]-5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]-5-HT) binding to rat hypothalamic membranes was pharmacologically and functionally characterized to resolve whether this procedure selectively labels 5-HT7 receptors. Consistent with a previous report, 3 microM and not 100 nM pindolol was required to occupy fully 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors. Remaining [3H]-5-HT binding was saturable (KD, 1.59+/-0.21 nM; Bmax, 53.8+/-3.1 fmol x mg protein(-1)). Displacement of [3H]-5-HT with metergoline and 5-CT revealed shallow Hill slopes (<0.5) but seven other compounds had slopes >0.8 and pKi values and the rank order of affinity were significantly correlated (r = 0.81 and 0.93, respectively) with published [3H]-5-HT binding to rat recombinant 5-HT7 receptors. In the presence of pindolol, 5-HT-enhanced accumulation of [32P]-cyclic AMP was unaffected by the 5-HT4 antagonist RS39604 (0.1 microM) or the 5-ht6 antagonist Ro 04-6790 (1 microM) but significantly attenuated by mesulergine (250 nM), ritanserin (450 nM) or methiothepin (200 nM) which have high affinity for the 5-HT7 receptor. Intracerebroventricular pretreatment with the serotonergic neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine, 5,7-DHT, elevated the [3H]-5-HT Bmax 2 fold, indicating that the hypothalamic 5-HT7 receptor is post-synaptic to 5-HT nerve terminals and regulated by synaptic 5-HT levels. These results suggest that, in the presence of 3 microM pindolol, [3H]-5-HT selectively labels hypothalamic binding sites consistent with functional 5-HT7 receptors.

Desipramine modulates 3H-ouabain binding in rat hypothalamus.

We have previously shown that Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity in hypothalamus is increased after administration of an acute dose of desipramine, a noradrenaline uptake inhibitor (Viola et al., Cell Molec Neurobiol 9:263-271, 1989). In this report the same treatment (10 mg per kg) was applied to evaluate 3H-ouabain binding in rat brain sections by quantitative autoradiography. Results disclosed an increase in the number of ouabain binding sites in hypothalamus but not in cerebral cortex. Concomitantly, such acute DMI treatment enhanced K(+)-stimulated-p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity in hypothalamus membranes whereas it failed to modify cerebral cortex membranes. A direct interaction of DMI with the enzyme was ruled out since in vitro DMI is known to inhibit the enzyme. It may be speculated that DMI indirectly stimulates Na+, K(+)-ATPase through the increase in noradrenaline which acts in turn on the external phosphorylated site of the enzyme.

Structural characterization by affinity cross-linking of glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide receptor in rat brain.

Specific binding of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1(7-36)amide was detected in several rat brain areas, with the highest values being found in hypothalamic nuclei and the nucleus of the solitary tract. In hypothalamus and brainstem homogenate binding of 125I-GLP-1(7-36)amide was time, temperature, and protein content dependent and was inhibited by unlabeled proglucagon-derived peptides. The rank order of potency was GLP-1(7-36)amide >> GLP-1(1-36)amide > GLP-1(1-37) approximately equal to GLP-2 > glucagon. Scatchard analysis of the steady-state binding data was consistent with the presence of both high- and low-affinity binding sites in hypothalamus and brainstem. Brain 125I-GLP-1(7-36)amide-binding protein complexes were covalently cross-linked using disuccinimidyl suberate and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A single radiolabeled band of M(r) 56,000 identified in both hypothalamus and brainstem homogenates was unaffected by reducing agents. An excess of unlabeled GLP-1(7-36)amide abolished the band labeling, whereas glucagon had no effect. Other unlabeled GLPs inhibited M(r) 56,000 complex labeling with the following order of potency: GLP-1(1-36)amide > GLP-1(1-37) > GLP-2. The binding of 125I-GLP-1(7-36)amide and the intensity of the cross-linked band were similarly inhibited in a dose-response manner by increasing concentrations of unlabeled GLP-1(7-36)amide. Covalent M(r) 56,000 125I-GLP-1(7-36)amide-binding protein complexes solubilized by Triton X-100 were adsorbed onto wheat germ agglutinin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Modulation of hypothalamic mu-opioid receptor density by estrogen: A quantitative autoradiographic study of the female

The labelling of hypothalamic binding sites by [ 125I]-FK, a specific mu-opioid receptor ligand, was studied in female C57BL/6J mice to test whether removal of ovarian steroids affected the density of distribution of receptor binding. Labelling densities in the forebrain of normally cycling (intact) females ( N = 12), were compared to those in mice that had been ovariectomized (OVX) for 6 weeks ( n = 8) and in mice that had been OVX and implanted with an estradiol (E2) capsule (OVX+E 2) for 6 weeks ( n = 11). Frozen sections from the rostral forebrain were incubated with 1 nM [I25I]-FK and processed for light microscopic autoradiography. The diagonal band of Broca (DBB), organum vasculosum lamina terminalis (OVLT), preoptic area (POA), septum, parietal cortex, and striatum were analyzed using computerized image analysis. The distribution of labelling was similar in all three experimental groups in all the regions; however, labelling was significantly reduced in the ventrolateral POA of OVX animals compared to intact females. Labelling densities in the OVX animals replaced with the gonadal steroid estradiol were not significantly different from those in normally cycling mice. This study demonstrates a region-specific loss of mu-opiate receptor labelling following long-term deprivation of gonadal steroids, and supports the hypothesis that estrogen directly or indirectly influences the density of mu-opioid receptors in the rostral forebrain of female mice.

Regulation of the anorectic drug recognition site during glucoprivic feeding

The acute effects of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG)-induced glucoprivic feeding on the anorectic drug recognition site and Na +K + -ATPase in the brain were examined in adult rats and in lean and genetically obese mice. The marked hyperglycemia and the induction of feeding caused by the administration of 2-DG to satiated rats and lean mice were associated with significant increases in Na +K +-ATPase activity, and in [ 3H]ouabain binding and [ 3H]mazindol binding to the anorectic drug recognition site in hypothalamic membranes. Basal and 2-DG-stimulated levels of blood glucose were significantly correlated to the levels of hypothalamic [ 3H]ouabain ( r = + .91, p<0.01) and [ 3H]mazindol ( r = + .87, p<0.01) binding. A significant correlation ( r = .74, p<0.05) was also observed between [ 3H]mazindol binding and [ 3H]ouabain binding supporting the hypothesis that these hypothalamic binding sites are functionally coupled in their response to circulating glucose. Following the intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of the diabetogenic drug alloxan, 2-DG did not stimulate feeding or increase [ 3H]mazindol and [ 3H]ouabain binding sites in the hypothalamic paraventricular area. Since 2-DG still caused hyperglycemia in alloxan-treated rats, alloxan-induced inactivation of glucoreceptor mechanisms led to an uncoupling of the anorectic drug recognition site from a hypothalamic glucostat. In genetically obese mice (ob/ob), 2-DG also could not induce feeding or increase hypothalamic [ 3H]ouabain or [ 3H]mazindol binding, despite a significant hyperglycemic response. In contrast, 2-DG did increase feeding and the binding of [ 3H]ouabain and [ 3H]mazindol to the hypothalamus of lean littermates. The dissociation of the anorectic drug recognition site from blood glucose responses to 2-DG suggests that the glucoprivic feeding response in obese mice is impaired. In conclusion, the [ 3H]mazindol recognition site and the neuronal Na +K +-ATPase labelled by [ 3H]ouabain binding constitutes a glucoreceptive system which in response to changes in circulating glucose levels modulates feeding. Since the coupling of this anorectic ding recognition site to brain glucostats is defective in genetically obese mice, this system may have an important role in pathological hyperphagia and the development of obesity.

Possible Neuroendocrine Actions of Endothelin-3

The presence of endothelin (ET) immunoreactivity and binding sites in hypothalamus and pituitary gland suggests potential neuroendocrine actions of this family of vasoactive peptides. ET-3, the predominant member of the ET family in brain, exerted significant dose-related (1, 10, and 100 nM) inhibitory effects on PRL release from dispersed anterior pituitary cells in static incubations. The effect was not dependent on voltage-sensitive calcium channels, since the dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist nifedipine failed to block this action. Nifedipine did, however, significantly reduce the transient acute stimulatory effect of ET-3 on PRL release in cultured cells incubated in dynamic perifusion. The longer lasting inhibitory effect on PRL release that followed the brief stimulatory action was not affected by nifedipine. ET-3 also stimulated a transient but significant release of LH from cells harvested from random cycle female rats, an effect that was not antagonized by a LHRH antagonist, but was blocked by nifedipine, suggesting the mobilization of extracellular calcium as a mechanism of action of ET-3. Nifedipine also reversed the acute stimulatory effect of ET-3 on GH secretion from these cells. Cerebroventricular injections of ET-3 (6 or 60 ng) failed to significantly alter PRL or LH secretion in conscious rats, suggesting that brain-derived ET does not act within the hypothalamus to alter the release of these two hormones. Similarly, iv infusion of even pressor doses of ET-3 (10, 30, or 300 ng) failed to significantly alter PRL, LH, or GH release; thus, it is unlikely that ET of peripheral origin acts within the gland. Our results suggest that locally produced ET may act as a neuroendocrine or paracrine factor controlling pituitary function in the rat.

Hypothalamic binding sites for pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide: characterization and molecular identification 1

The goal of these experiments was to identify and characterize binding sites in the rat hypothalamus for the peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP). The 27 amino acid form of PACAP (PACAP27) was used as the radiolabeled ligand in these experiments. Binding of [125I]PACAP27 to hypothalamic membrane preparations was rapid, reversible on addition of unlabeled peptide, and at least partially regulated by GTP. Nonhydrolyzable GTP analogs, guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S), guanosine-5'-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S), and guanylylimidophosphate (GppNHp) also displaced [125I]PACAP27 binding to hypothalamic membrane preparations in a dose-dependent manner. The order of potency for the three analogs was GTP gamma S greater than GDP beta S greater than GppNHp. Both forms of the peptide, PACAP27 and PACAP38, were highly potent in displacing bound [125I]PACAP27, whereas VIP or PACAP(1-23) were unable to displace binding at concentrations of up to 500 nM. Scatchard analysis of the PACAP27 and PACAP38 displacement curves revealed that the fit of both curves was consistent with a single class of high-affinity binding sites, although the site exhibited a greater affinity for PACAP38 compared with PACAP27 (PACAP27 Kd = 1452 +/- 59 pM; PACAP38 Kd = 175 +/- 13 pM; Bmax 23.2 +/- 1.1 pmol/mg protein). The possibility of the existence of a class of binding sites with extremely low affinity cannot be discounted. After covalent cross-linking of [125I]PACAP27 with its receptor, the molecular weights of the complexes were estimated by electrophoresis and autoradiography. A major band of 60 Kd was evident when membranes were incubated with VIP or PACAP(1-23). Previous incubation with unlabeled PACAP27 or PACAP38 eliminated visualization of this band. These results suggest that a specific, high-affinity binding site for PACAP27 is present in rat hypothalamus, and that this site shows a greater affinity for PACAP38 compared with PACAP27. The molecular weight of the peptide-receptor complex is 60,000 kDa, and therefore the receptor itself has an apparent molecular weight 57,000.

Diazapam: Endocrine effects and hypothalamic binding sites in the developing male and female rat

The ontogeny of diazepam's endocrine effects in male and female rats, and of 3H-diazepam binding in the hypothalami of both sexes was studied. Diazepam inhibited basal prolactin levels in 38 day-old male rats and, if prolactin levels were stimulated by Haloperidol the inhibition occurred in 28 day-old males, indicating that the hypoprolactinemic effect of the drug could be evidenced earlier if prolactin titers were high. The prolactin inhibition in females did not reach statistical significance at any studied age. Diazepam significantly released LH only in male rats at 12 days, showing thus, a period of special sensitivity of LH release to the drug. Benzodiazepine-hypothalamic binding sites increased in number from birth to puberty, reaching a plateau at 20 days of age. No sexual differences or changes in affinity were found throughout the studied period. These results suggest that the maturtion of diazepam's hypoprolactinemic effect could be partially related to the increase in hypothalamic binding sites, whereas the sexual differences observed in diazepam's endocrine actions could be due to sexual differentiation of endocrine control mechanisms.

Binding and effects of catecholestrogens on adenylate cyclase activity, and adrenoceptors, benzodiazepine and GABA receptors in guinea-pig hypothalamic membranes

Catecholestrogen (CE) binding to guinea-pig hypothalamic membranes was assessed by using [ 3H]2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE 2) as a ligand. Binding was maximal at pH 7.4 and 37°C, and after 10 min incubations. A high affinity binding site with dissociation constant (K D) = 0.20 ± 0.02 nM and site concentration (B max) = 38 ± 2 fmol/mg protein, and a low affinity binding site with K D = 235 ± 10 nM and B max = 4.2 ± 1.0 pmol/mg protein (n = 7) were detected. The order of affinity (K i, μM) for displacement of 10 nM [ 3H]2-OHE 1 from hypothalamic binding sites was 2-OHE 1 (0.8), 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE 2) (1.0), epinephrine (5.9), norepinephrine (NE) (7.7), dopamine (270), estradiol, estrone, propranolol, phentolamine, domperidone (>10 000). NE inhibition of 2-OHE 1 binding was non-competitive, Only 0.5 mM 2-OHE 2 depressed in a non-competitive way the hypothalamic β-adrenoceptor binding (measured by using [ 3H]dihydroalprenolol) without affecting α-adrenoceptor binding (measured by using [ 3H]dihydroergocryptine). Both 2-OHE 2 and 2-OHE 1 impaired NE-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in hypothalamic membranes with EC 50 of about 5 and 10 μM, respectively. CE decreased [ 3H]γ-aminobutyric acid binding by hypothalamic membranes with K i = 8 μM (2-OHE 2) and 50 μM (2-OHE 1). The binding of [ 3H]flunitrazepam to the same membrane preparation was not affected by CE. These results support the existence of significant CE binding and effects in guinea-pig hypothalamic membranes.

Glucostatic regulation of hypothalamic and brainstem [3H](+)-amphetamine binding during food deprivation and refeeding.

Saturable and stereospecific binding sites for [3H](+)-amphetamine have been identified in rat hypothalamus and structure-activity studies suggest that these sites may mediate the anorectic actions of amphetamine and related phenylethylamines. In order to determine whether these binding sites may be involved in the physiological control of appetite, [3H](+)-amphetamine binding was measured in crude synaptosomal membranes prepared from various brain regions following food deprivation and refeeding. Rats deprived of food for 24 to 72 h exhibited time-dependent reductions in body weight, blood glucose concentration, and specific [3H](+)-amphetamine binding in hypothalamus and brainstem. No change in specific [3H](+)-amphetamine binding was found in the frontal cortex, striatum, cerebellum, or liver prepared from these same animals. The decrease in specific [3H](+)-amphetamine binding in both the hypothalamus and brain stem following food deprivation was rapidly and completely reversed by allowing animals brief access to food or a 10% glucose solution. The changes in [3H](+)-amphetamine binding in hypothalami and brainstem of food-deprived and refed rats were also highly correlated with blood glucose concentration. Further, parenteral administration of D-glucose, but not L-glucose, to either fed or food-deprived rats significantly increased the number of [3H](+)-amphetamine binding sites in hypothalamus. These data suggest that the [3H](+)-amphetamine binding site in the hypothalamus and (or) brainstem may function in the 'glucostatic' regulation of appetite.

Biochemical and radioautographic analysis of estrogen-inducible progestin receptors in female ferret brain and pituitary: Correlations with effects of progesterone on sexual behavior and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated secretion of luteinizing hormone

Cytosolic binding molecules for the synthetic progestin [3H]R5020, were isolated in vitro from several brain regions including preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus, mediobasal hypothalamus, medial amygdala and parietal cortex as well as the pituitary gland of ovohysterectomized female ferrets. Binding of [3H]R5020 to cortical cytosols was saturable, of high affinity (apparent dissociation constant of 2.0 nM), and was steroid specific. Pretreatment of ferrets with a Silastic capsule containing estradiol caused significant increments in the concentration of cytosolic R5020 binding sites in hypothalamus and pituitary gland, but not in the other brain regions studied. Brains of additional ovohysterectomized ferrets, which had been primed with estradiol prior to receiving an i.v. injection of [3H]R5020, were processed radioautographically. Intense labeling of cells was seen in the medial and lateral preoptic area, in the lateral hypothalamus, and in the ventromedial and arcuate nuclei of the hypothalamus. Radioautograms from the brains of additional ovohysterectomized ferrets given an i.v. injection of [3H]estradiol revealed labeled cells in all of the above regions, in addition to the basolateral portion of the septum, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and in the anterior amygdaloid area as well as the medial and cortical nuclei of the amygdala. This distribution of neural progestin and estrogen binding sites resembles those previously reported for these steroids in the rat, guinea pig, hamster and macaque. Functional studies showed that acute s.c. implantation of a Silastic capsule containing progesterone to ovohysterectomized ferrets, which had been primed with a low dosage of estradiol, failed to augment their sexual receptivity in limited tests with stimulus males given 4 and 8 h after progesterone treatment. This result contrasts with the well-established facilitatory effect of progesterone on sexual receptivity in rat and guinea pig. Chronic exposure to a progesterone capsule caused significant reductions in sexual receptivity in ovohysterectomized ferrets which were implanted concurrently with a second Silastic capsule containing a high dosage of estradiol. Similar effects of progesterone have been reported in rat and guinea pig, but not in the rhesus monkey. Thus species differences in the ability of progesterone to facilitate or inhibit sexual receptivity are not readily explained by species differences in the neural distribution of estrogen-induced progestin receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Diethylstilbestrol regulates the number of α- and β-adrenergic binding sites in incubated hypothalamus and amygdala

Previous work has identified an effect of circulating estrogens on the number of central adrenergic binding sites. We have further characterized this effect by performing the experiments in vitro and have taken advantage of a well-described hypothalamic preparation in which diethylstilbestrol (DES), is known to elevate cAMP levels through a pathway which involves adrenoreceptors. We show that DES induces a reciprocal change in the numbers of α- and β-adrenergic binding sites in incubated hypothalami obtained from intact immature female rats as well as from ovariectomized adult rats. The α-adrenergic binding sites are reduced by 25–30% whereas the β-adrenergic sites are increased by 60–100%. The effect is maximal at 3 h in vitro (20 μM DES) and largely reversible following a 2 h wash in the absence of DES. Using the change in β-adrenergic binding sites as a probe, we were further able to show that estradiol (100 μM) and 2-hydroxyestradiol (50 μM) had no effect. Further, the effect of DES was not blocked by the anti-estrogens clomiphene or tamoxifen. Since DES is able to elevate β-adrenergic binding sites in hypothalamus and amygdala (brain areas known to contain high levels of estrogen receptors) but has no effect in cerebellum, we conclude that we have observed an effect of DES not shared by estradiol but which may be confined to estrogen target areas of the brain.

Differential effects of chronic morphine and naloxone on opiate receptors, monoamines, and morphine-induced behaviors in preweanling rats

Rats were administered either chronic morphine, naloxone or saline from 1 to 21 days of age. At 22 days of age, animals were sacrificed and various CNS areas were assayed for specific binding of [ 3H]naloxone and steady-state levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin, as well as turnover of norepinephrine and dopamine. In addition, some animals at 22 days of age were assessed for morphine-induced changes in activity, hot-plate paw-lick latency, and rectal body temperature. Chronic naloxone treatment produced an increase in the number of ligand binding sites in hypothalamus, striatum and cortex, but did not alter monoamine systems or the efficacy of morphine. In contrast, chronic morphine treatment produced tolerance to the hypoactive and antinociceptive effects of morphine, but did not alter ligand binding or monoamine systems. These results demonstrate that developing opiate receptor systems in brain are more responsive to chronic receptor blockade than to chronic receptor activation and that an alteration in the development of opiate receptor systems does not necessarily produce a concomitant alteration in either monoamine systems or the behavioral efficacy of morphine.

Sex differences in the distribution of cytoplasmic oestrogen receptors in rat brain and pituitary: Effects of gonadectomy and neonatal androgen treatment

High affinity binding of 17 β-oestradiol was measured in cytosols of hypothalamus, amygdaloid region, pituitary and (in females) uterus of adult male and female rats. There were no differences between intact or gonadectomised male and female animals in any of the tissues in the equilibrium dissociation constants (K d). The number of available binding sites (n) in brain and pituitary in intact females at metoestrus is higher than at proestrus but only in hypothalamus is n greater than in ovariectomised animals. Binding sites in male hypothalamus, amygdala and pituitary are significantly less than in metoestrous females; the sex difference is seen also in gonadectomised rats but is significant only in pituitary. In all female animals the highest concentration of binding sites in the hypothalamus is in the anterior part and the lowest in the posterior part. The distribution of binding sites andK d values in adult females treated neonatally with testosterone propionate were not different from those of intact proestrous rats. In intact males the highest level of n was in mid-hypothalamus; after gonadectomy the pattern reverted to that in females. It is suggested that these results support the concept that testicular androgen is converted in brain to a substance with affinity for cytosol oestrogen receptor.

Application of producer gas to brass foundries: E. F. Bulmahn. ( Trans. Amer. Inst. of Metals, vii, 288.)

The labelling of hypothalamic binding sites by [125I]-FK, a specific mu-opioid receptor ligand, was studied in female C57BL/6J mice to test whether removal of ovarian steroids affected the density of distribution of receptor binding. Labelling densities in the forebrain of normally cycling (intact) females (N = 12), were compared to those in mice that had been ovariectomized (OVX) for 6 weeks (n = 8) and in mice that had been OVX and implanted with an estradiol (E2) capsule (OVX+E2) for 6 weeks (n = 11). Frozen sections from the rostral forebrain were incubated with 1 nM [I25I]-FK and processed for light microscopic autoradiography. The diagonal band of Broca (DBB), organum vasculosum lamina terminalis (OVLT), preoptic area (POA), septum, parietal cortex, and striatum were analyzed using computerized image analysis. The distribution of labelling was similar in all three experimental groups in all the regions; however, labelling was significantly reduced in the ventrolateral POA of OVX animals compared to intact females. Labelling densities in the OVX animals replaced with the gonadal steroid estradiol were not significantly different from those in normally cycling mice. This study demonstrates a region-specific loss of mu-opiate receptor labelling following long-term deprivation of gonadal steroids, and supports the hypothesis that estrogen directly or indirectly influences the density of mu-opioid receptors in the rostral forebrain of female mice.