Abstract
The author observed morphological changes of the neurosecretory phenomenon of rabbit induced by electroshock.
Adult healthy rabbits weighing 2 to 2.5kg were used. Electroshock was induced by OHNO's method (1953), namely, each animal was given more than 8, 000 Joule, charging with 100V. AC, attaching at each thigh of the animal with poles (3×4cm copper plate). The animals were sacrificed by decapitation at time intervals ranging from 1 to 24 hours after the shock. After decapitation, the brain with the pituitary attached was removed and fixed in ZENKER-formol fluid for 12 hours. After dehydration, 5μ frontal serial sections as well as those of controls were stained by GOMORI's chrome-alum hematoxylin and phloxine.
1. In the supraoptic nucleus, the neurosecretory substance obviously increased for 1 to 3 hours after the shock; neurosecretory granules within the nerve cells increased in size and number, and then nerve cells showed various irregular forms. In the neuropil near the nucleus, spherical or beads-like granules also increased.
2. However, in the paraventricular nucleus, this increasing phenomenon was observed for 3 to 6 hours after the shock.
3. In the neurohypophysis, on changes could be found in anywhere, and it seems that electroshock had no effect on the neurosecretory phenomenon of the neurohypophysis.
