Figure 6
VEGF is expressed by adult SON neurons. A-C: Stack confocal images (10 ÎĽm-thick) of sections immunostained for VEGF. In the cortex of newborn (A, 10-day-old) and adult (B, 3-month-old) rats, VEGF immunostaining is associated with neuron-like and glial-like structures, respectively. Insets: merged confocal images of double immunostained sections showing that in the cortex of the newborn and adult rats, VEGF immunostaining is localized within NeuN-labeled neurons and GFAP-labeled astrocytes, respectively. In the hypothalamus of an adult control rat (C), intense VEGF immunostaining is detected within both neuronal cell bodies located in the core of the SON, and within astrocytic profiles located on the ventral border of the nucleus (arrows in C), whereas. Insets: merged confocal images of double immunostained sections showing that within the SON, VEGF immunostaining is associated with both OT- and VP-labeled neurons, and with GFAP-labeled astrocytes. Cx: cortex; GFAP: glial fibrillary acidic protein; NeuN: nuclear neuronal antigen; OT: oxytocin; VP: vasopressin; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor. Scale bars: A-B = 50 ÎĽm; C = 100 ÎĽm; insets = 25 ÎĽm.