Recent advances in viral vector technology, specifically using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, have significantly expanded possibilities in neuronal tracing. We have utilized the Cre/loxP system in combination with AAV techniques in rats to explore the subcellular localization of palmitoylation signal-tagged GFP (palGFP) in oxytocin-producing neurosecretory neurons. A distinctive branching pattern of single axons was observed at the level of the terminals in the posterior pituitary. Despite challenges in detecting palGFP signals by fluorescent microscopy, immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated predominant localization on the plasma membrane, with a minor presence on the neurosecretory vesicle membrane. These findings suggest that membrane-anchored palGFP may undergo exocytosis, translocating from the plasma membrane to the neurosecretory vesicle membrane. In this study, we observed characteristic axon terminal structures in the posterior pituitary of oxytocin neurons. This study indicates the importance of understanding the plasma membrane-specific sorting system in neuronal membrane migration and encourages future studies on the underlying mechanisms.

病毒载体技术的最新进展，特别是使用腺相关病毒（AAV）载体，显着扩大了神经元追踪的可能性。我们在大鼠中利用 Cre/loxP 系统与 AAV 技术相结合，探索棕榈酰化信号标记 GFP (palGFP) 在产生催产素的神经分泌神经元中的亚细胞定位。在垂体后叶末端水平观察到单个轴突的独特分支模式。尽管通过荧光显微镜检测 palGFP 信号存在挑战，但免疫电子显微镜显示主要定位在质膜上，少量存在于神经分泌囊泡膜上。这些发现表明膜锚定的 palGFP 可能经历胞吐作用，从质膜易位到神经分泌囊泡膜。在这项研究中，我们观察了催产素神经元垂体后叶的特征性轴突末端结构。这项研究表明了解神经元膜迁移中质膜特异性分选系统的重要性，并鼓励未来对潜在机制的研究。