Immunocytochemical evidence for direct synaptic connections between corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-containing neurons in the preoptic area of the rat.
Electron microscopic double-label immunostaining with peroxidase and avidin-ferritin was used to study connections between corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunoreactive elements in the medial preoptic area of the rat. Synaptic contacts were observed between CRF-immunoreactive axon terminals and the dendrites of GnRH-immunopositive neurons. These results suggest that the inhibitory effects of stress-induced CRF release on reproductive function may involve a direct CRF input to the GnRH-producing cells.
MacLusky
N J
NJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, CT 06510.
Naftolin
F
F
Leranth
C
C
D000818:Animals; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D011301:Preoptic Area / Q000166:cytology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013569:Synapses / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone