Rate of movement and redistribution of stainable neurosecretory granules in hypothalamic neurons

Abstract

Electrical stimulation of the olfactory tract of goldfish for one minute can deplete completely the stainable neurosecretory granules from cells of the preoptic nucleus as well as from their axons. Thus, in stimulated neurons secretory granules appear to move toward the neurohemal point of discharge at a rate of about 2 millimeters per minuite. Reaccumutlation of neurosecretory granules in depleted neurons to approximately normal numbers requires about 1 to 1.5 hours. Histological evidence indicates that, during the period of reaccumulation, granules move out of the perikaryon until normal granulation in the axons is achieved; finally, granulation of the perikaryon is restored.