Immunocytochemical localization of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in the rat spinal cord.
The presence of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)-immunoreactive nerve fibers and cell bodies in the spinal cord is demonstrated. Immunopositive fibers were found in the lateral column of the white matter, in laminae I, V-VII, X, and in the intermediolateral column of the spinal cord. Complete transection of the spinal cord showed that the majority of the fibers in the lateral funiculus formed an ascending pathway; however, a few descending fibers were also detected. Hypophysectomy resulted in enhanced immunoreactivity of the fibers and staining of CRF-immunoreactive cell bodies in laminae V-VII, X, and in the intermediolateral sympathetic column. The results suggest that CRF is not merely an ACTH releasing factor, but also a regulatory peptide which may be involved in several stress-related neural responses.
D000818:Animals; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000378:metabolism*; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone