ANTIDIURETIC MATERIAL IN THE SUPRAOPTIC NUCLEUS

Abstract
The supraoptic region of the dog''s hypothalamus contains an amt. of water soluble antidiuretic substance equivalent to 1.5 to 5.0 units of pituitrin. Degeneration of the supraoptic nuclei, resulting from hypophysectomy or surgical transection of the pituitary stalk, is attended by a severe loss of this antidiuretic material. This has been detd. from assay of the hypothalamus or supraoptic region of 15 dogs. Seven were normal, 2 were hypophysectomized, and 6 had the pituitary stalk severed.