Immunoreactive luteinizing hormone-containing neurons in the brain of the white-footed mouse,Peromyscus leucopus

Summary The distribution of immunoreactive LH in the brain of the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) was determined using immunocytochemical procedures. Immunoreactive fibers are located in the hypothalamus, preoptic area, septum and amygdala. Stained cell bodies are seen in the arcuate nucleus and preoptic area. Gonadectomy enhances staining for LH in the brain.We wish to thank the National Institutes of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases (NIAMDD) for the gift of the antiserum to LH.     

Synchronization and rhythmic processes in physiology

Complex bodily rhythms are ubiquitous in living organisms. These rhythms arise from stochastic, nonlinear biological mechanisms interacting with a fluctuating environment. Disease often leads to alterations from normal to pathological rhythm. Fundamental questions concerning the dynamics of these rhythmic processes abound. For example, what is the origin of physiological rhythms? How do the rhythms interact with each other and the external environment? Can we decode the fluctuations in physiological rhythms to better diagnose human disease? And can we develop better methods to control pathological rhythms? Mathematical and physical techniques combined with physiological and medical studies are addressing these questions and are transforming our understanding of the rhythms of life.