Growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF)-like immunoreactivity in sensory ganglia of the rat

Growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF)-like immunoreactivity has been demonstrated in the trigeminal and spinal ganglia of fetal, young and adult rats by use of peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemistry. GRF-like-immunoreactive cells first appear during the second half of embryonic life, as early as day 17. In untreated animals the GRF-immunoreactive elements form approximately 1% of all ganglion cells in the trigeminal and spinal ganglia; their numbers do not change significantly during development. The granular immunoreaction product is confined to perikarya, especially to the perinuclear region. Nerve fibers displaying GRF-like immunoreactivity were found neither in the ganglia, nor in the corresponding central and peripheral areas of termination. The possible role of GRF in sensory ganglia is discussed.