Figure 3.

The number of OT mRNA-containing neurons was reduced in the PVN of males after CVS. (A) Representative photomicrographs showing a greater number of OT mRNA neurons in nonstressed control males after in situ hybridization for OT mRNA in PVN (magnification ×20). (B) Quantitation of OT mRNA-expressing cell number per section or (C) average grains per cell. Each bar represents the mean and SEM of a unilateral PVN, averaged across three to six images encompassing the anterior, mid, and posterior subregions (n = 4 to 8 mice per group). Each point indicates the value for an individual mouse. (B) A significant interaction between treatment and sex indicated that CVS decreased the number of OT mRNA-containing PVN neurons in male mice, removing the sex differences in OT neuron number. (C) Neither CVS nor sex affected the mean number of grains per cell. *Significant sex difference (P < 0.05) in control groups. 3V, third ventricle.