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Neurohormones and Neurohumors pp 78–94Cite as

The Mammalian Subfornical Organ

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Summary

Current investigations on the ultrastructure and function of the mammalian subfornical organ have been reviewed. Almost no information exists on the physiological significance of this structure. The results derived from anatomical research point towards a secretory function of its nerve cells. One type of secretory granules originates at least in part within the SFO itself and seems to be released within the pericapillary spaces. This material is Gomori-positive and may be considered “peptidergic”. (Bergmann). The second type of secretory material arises from “dark neurons” and accumulates within its fiber terminals in the form of large vacuoles whence it is released into the ventricular fluid. Functions of the SFO need also be considered in the light of its location outside the blood-brain barrier and the brain-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Finally, the presence of a richly developed cholinergie plexus of extramural origin and the formation of peculiar “double plug synapses” with SFO neurons is emphasized. Relationships with monoaminergic mechanisms seem less obvious at the present time.

This work was supported by UPSH grant Nr. NB-03644 and by the Swiss National Foundation of Scientific Research (Nr. 4356).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich, Switzerland

    Prof. K. Akert

  2. Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich, August Forelstraße 1, 8008, Zürich, Switzerland

    Prof. K. Akert

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  1. Prof. K. Akert
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Netherlands Central Institute for Brain Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    J. Ariëns Kappers

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© 1969 Springer-Verlag Wien

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Akert, K. (1969). The Mammalian Subfornical Organ. In: Kappers, J.A. (eds) Neurohormones and Neurohumors. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-25519-3_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-25519-3_4

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