Immunocytochemical localization of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in the rat spinal cord.

The presence of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)-immunoreactive nerve fibers and cell bodies in the spinal cord is demonstrated. Immunopositive fibers were found in the lateral column of the white matter, in laminae I, V-VII, X, and in the intermediolateral column of the spinal cord. Complete transection of the spinal cord showed that the majority of the fibers in the lateral funiculus formed an ascending pathway; however, a few descending fibers were also detected. Hypophysectomy resulted in enhanced immunoreactivity of the fibers and staining of CRF-immunoreactive cell bodies in laminae V-VII, X, and in the intermediolateral sympathetic column. The results suggest that CRF is not merely an ACTH releasing factor, but also a regulatory peptide which may be involved in several stress-related neural responses.