[Immunoperoxidase study of the localization of alpha-endorphin in the brain].

: Location of alpha-endorphin in the rat brain was studied by means of the indirect immunoperoxidase method (peroxidase-antiperoxidase). alpha-endorphin immunoreactivity was detected in neural fibers but not in neuronal bodies. Immunoreactive fibers were located predominantly in the hypothalamus: in the preoptic area, periventricular zone, dorsal and ventrolateral portions of the gray tuber. Individual fibers containing alpha-endorphin were also discovered in the cerebral portions directly adjacent to the hypothalamus (the ventral part of the striate body, septum and thalamus). The questions related to immunocytochemical detection of peptides in the perikaryons of neurons and their processes are discussed.