Depopulation of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus in the diabetic Chinese hamster

The relationship between diabetes and the size, density and area of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) was studied in the genetically diabetic Chinese hamster. Matched diabetic and non-diabetic control chinese hamsters were perfused, the hypothalamus collected, sectioned and stained for lig...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inActa neuropathologica Vol. 56; no. 1; p. 63
Main Authors Garris, D R, Diani, A R, Smith, C, Gerritsen, G C
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Germany 01.01.1982
Subjects
Animals
Cell Count
Cell Nucleolus
Cricetinae
Cricetulus
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental - pathology
Hypothalamus - pathology
Neurons - pathology
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:The relationship between diabetes and the size, density and area of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) was studied in the genetically diabetic Chinese hamster. Matched diabetic and non-diabetic control chinese hamsters were perfused, the hypothalamus collected, sectioned and stained for light microscopy. The mid-point of each VMH nucleus was located, photographed and enlarged for morphometric analysis. Each neuron that possessed a nucleolus and was located within the confines of a VMH was counted, and subsequently the area of each nucleus and the density of neurons per area of VMH were calculated. The results indicated that both the area and absolute number of neurons within the VMH of diabetic hamsters were significantly reduced compared to control values (P less than 0.01) The density of neurons per unit area of VMH was similar in both groups. These data suggest that the VMH experiences a neuronal depopulation in diabetic hamsters which may have a functional influence on the hypothalamic-pancreatic axis in this species.
ISSN:0001-6322
DOI:10.1007/BF00691183