Immunohistochemical localization of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-containing neurons in the hypothalamus of the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix.

Immunohistochemical localization of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-like immunoreactivity in the brain of the Japanese quail was studied by means of the peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP) method. CRF-immunopositive perikarya of parvocellular neurons were observed mainly in the nucleus praeopticus medialis and nucleus paraventricularis. Additional perikarya were also detected in the nucleus hypothalamicus posterior medialis in the hypothalamus and in the non-hypothalamic nucleus accumbens, nucleus septalis lateralis and nucleus dorsomedialis and dorsolateralis thalami. No CRF immunoreaction was found to coexist with the vasotocin (Vt)-containing system in comparative examination of consecutive sections treated with anti-vasopressin (Vp) serum. The CRF-immunoreactive fibers were detected mainly in the external layer of the anterior median eminence but not in its posterior division. Unilateral adrenalectomy induced the marked reduction in number of the CRF immunopositive fibers in the anterior median eminence.