Structure of the hypothalamic nuclei in a severe craniocerebral trauma

: Large- and small-cell hypothalamic nuclei from 30 males who died of craniocerebral trauma were studied. Number of neurons at different stages of neurosecretory process was calculated in the large cell nuclei (supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei). Mean volume of neuron karyon (MVNK) was estimated in all the nuclei as a neuron function index. It was found that the proportion of neurons at different stages of the neurosecretory cycle is changed in large cell nuclei. This points to impaired synthesis of neurosecretion. Significantly increased MVNK of the neurons of paraventricular, arcuate and posterior nuclei was detected. The above evidence demonstrates activation of humoral hypothalamic regulation of the endocrine and immune systems.