Corticotropin-releasing factor--immunolabeled fibers in brain regions with localized kainate neurotoxicity

Rats treated with the neuroepileptic drug, kainic acid, exhibit a specific regional pattern of neurodegeneration 24 h following onset of acute limbic status epilepticus. At 24 h post-seizure, the areas undergoing neurodegeneration also exhibit substantial amounts of the neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) which is not present under normal conditions. In experimental brains, CRF is localized immunocytochemically to cells and densely labeled fibers in areas with neurodegeneration. Networks of CRF fibers closely surround moribund neurons staining intensely for acid fuchsin. Acid fuchsin, an acidophilic dye, is used routinely as a marker for irreversible neuronal injury, and acid fuchsin-positive neurons are identified in specific areas affected by kainic neurotoxicity. Evidence exists in the literature that CRF functions in brain as a excitatory neurotransmitter/neuromodulator. Under certain pathological conditions (i.e., seizures, brain trauma, ischemia), it has been postulated that CRF could act as an neurotoxic agent. This study provides anatomical evidence that CRF may function following seizures as an neurotoxin because of the close proximity of CRF-labeled fibers to degenerating neurons.