The origin and ultrastructural characteristics of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the posterior pituitary of the rat.
A fine network of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-immunopositive fibers was found in the posterior lobe of the pituitary of the rat. The intermediate and distal lobes were free of CRF-immunoreactivity. Varicose, terminal-like axons were frequently observed around capillary vessels. Surgical isolation of the paraventricular nuclei resulted in a complete disappearance of CRF-immunoreactive fibers from the posterior lobe. CRF-immunopositive fibers show the general characteristics of peptidergic axons. These ultrastructural observations support the idea that CRF is secreted into capillary vessels.
D000818:Animals; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D007120:Immunochemistry; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009474:Neurons / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010904:Pituitary Gland, Posterior / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone