Immunocytochemical localization of corticotropin-releasing factor-like immunoreactivity in the human hypothalamus

In order to study the distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor-like immunoreactivity (CRF-LI) in the human hypothalamus, an immunocytochemical localization of this neurohormone was performed. Using antibodies developed against ovine CRF, we have localized CRF-LI in parvicellular neuronal cell bodies in the paraventricular nucleus. Immunostained fibers were observed in the median eminence, the pituitary stalk and the posterior pituitary. These results suggest that immunoreactive material related to ovine CRF is present in the human hypothalamus with a distribution similar to that observed in the rat.