Quantitative in situ hybridization histochemistry reveals increased levels of corticotropin-releasing factor mRNA after adrenalectomy in rats.

A 35S-labeled 48-base synthetic oligonucleotide complementary to a portion of the rat corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) mRNA was used for in situ hybridization histochemistry. CRF-synthesizing cells were located in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. These cells were observed in the medial parvocellular subdivision where there was a 90% increase in the amount of CRF mRNA per unit volume after adrenalectomy.