THE DISTRIBUTION OF OXYTOCIN AND VASOPRESSIN(ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE) IN THE NEUROHYPOPHYSIS OF THE CAMEL1

Abstract

The total amount of vasopressin in the neurohypophysis of the camel is similar to that found in oxen. Only stored antidiuretic hormone could be studied and no evidence suggesting a special role of the hormone in water conservation in the camel can be offered. Peculiarities in the distribution of oxytocin were noteworthy. The relative concentration of the hormone was remarkably high in the paraventricular nuclei with a vasopressin/oxytocin (V/O) ratio of 0.26. On the other hand, an unusually small amount was found in the posterior lobe (40,000 mU) with a V/O ratio of 43 in comparison with 1.4 for the same structure in the ox.