Immunocytochemical identification of CRF in the human hypothalamus

Immunoreactive ovine corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) was revealed in the cell bodies of parvocellular neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the human hypothalamus by an immunocytochemical technique. The immunoreactivity was negative in magnocellular neurons. Immunoreactive nerve fibers were found in the subependymal layers of the third ventricle and in the perivascular space of the primary plexus in the lower hypothalamus. No CRF immunoreactive cell bodies were found in the supraoptic nucleus.