Abstract
The distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) immunoreactivity was demonstrated by immunocytochemistry in intact and colchicine-treated pigeons. Colchicine injections were administered at different times related to the circadian activity of the CRF-adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-corticosterone axis. Three CRF antisera were used, two directed against synthetic rat CRF and one directed against synthetic ovine CRF. No fundamental differences appeared in the pigeon brain with respect to the specific CRF antiserum used. The most effective colchicine injection times corresponded to hypersecretion in the corticotropic axis. CRF-immunopositive neurons were scattered throughout the pigeon brain. In addition to the paraventricular hypothalamic system, which is involved in adenohypophysial ACTH regulation, several other hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic areas showed CRF neurons. The distribution suggests that CRF may also act as a modulator and a neurotransmitter. Two hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus-median eminence CRF pathways are described here. Moreover, CRF-immunopositive reactions were observed in specific areas of cerebral ventricle walls, suggesting that CRF may be released into the cerebral fluid.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.