Immunocytochemical localization and spatial relation to the adenohypophysis of a somatostatin-like and a corticotropin-releasing factor-like peptide in the brain of four amphibian species.

The distribution of somatostatin (SRIF) - and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-like - immunoreactive material was studied in the brain of four amphibian species (Ambystoma mexicanum, Pleurodeles waltlii, Xenopus laevis, Rana ridibunda) by use of immunocytochemistry. A wide network of SRIF-immunoreactive fibers and numerous perikarya were observed in all amphibians examined, with a dense accumulation of nerve endings in the external layer of the median eminence (ELME). In the representatives of the four amphibian species the CRF-like system was more circumscribed. Immunoreactive perikarya were present in the preoptic area, mainly in a ventrobasal position, and in the interpeduncular nucleus. The tract running along the ventral part of the tuber cinereum ends in the ELME facing the rostroventral lobe of the pars distalis that contains corticotrophs. CRF fibers were scarce or absent in the neural lobe. In all species studied in the present work, CRF fibers end in the area of the ELME close to the pituitary lobe containing corticotrophs. This correlation is similar to that reported for the Japanese quail and several teleosts.