Distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor-like immunoreactivity in squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) amygdala.

Previous anatomical studies of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-like immunoreactivity in rat brain have reported prominent clustering of neuronal elements containing this peptide within the amygdala. The highest concentrations of both CRF-positive cells and fibers were evident in the central nucleus, an observation consistent with the putative role of this peptide in autonomic and endocrine regulation. In addition, lower densities of CRF-positive somata and processes have been noted in other amygdaloid nuclei. However, the distribution of CRF-like immunoreactivity in the amygdala has not been described for any primate species. Such a description would be of interest since substantial differences in the distribution of CRF in rodent and primate have been reported for other brain regions. The present study uses immunohistochemical methods, with a polyclonal antiserum directed against the human form of CRF, to determine the distribution of this peptide in non-colchicine-treated monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). Within the amygdaloid complex, the most numerous and concentrated collections of CRF-positive neurons were seen in the basal and lateral nuclei. The highest densities of CRF-positive fibers and terminals were seen in the lateral and central amygdaloid nuclei. Moderately dense plexuses of CRF-positive fibers also were seen in layer Ia of the periamygdaloid cortex, nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract, anterior and posterior cortical nuclei, and the medial nucleus. Thus, the distribution of CRF-like immunoreactivity differs substantially in monkey and rat amygdala. Since CRF-positive perikarya in monkey are most prominent in nuclei with pronounced interconnections with neocortex, these differences may be an integral component of the increased cortical development that characterizes the primate brain.