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

Brain Res. 1988 Jan 26;439(1-2):391-5. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(88)91501-6.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / analysis*
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / immunology
  • Female
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Neurons / ultrastructure
  • Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones / analysis*
  • Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones / immunology
  • Preoptic Area / cytology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Synapses / cytology*
  • Synapses / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone