雌激素Beta受体在大鼠脑内表达的免疫组化定位研究

为了探讨雌激素作用于神经系统的机理,采用硫酸镍铵增强显色的免疫组化SP法研究了新的雌激素受体(ER-β)在成年雌雄大鼠脑内的分布。研究证实ER-β免疫阳性物质主要位于神经元的细胞核内,但在个别脑区也可在胞浆甚至突起内检测到。最强的ER-β免疫阳性信号见于前嗅核、大脑皮质、小脑浦肯野细胞、斜角带垂直部、蓝斑和三叉神经运动核等部位;中等强度的染色见于隔内侧核、杏仁外侧核、黑质、中央灰质等部位;较弱的阳性反应见于下丘脑与杏仁复合体的部分核团。在一些部位还存在表达水平甚至细胞内定位模式的性别差异,如前庭上核内的表达只见于雌性;雄性大鼠三叉神经运动核内ER-β蛋白主要表达于胞浆内,细胞核为阴性;而在雌性大鼠该部位ER-β蛋白主要位于细胞核等。以上结果表明ER-β蛋白在大鼠脑内分布广泛并具有一定的性别差异,在与学习记忆有关的脑区如大脑皮质和基底前脑内有很高的表达,提示在脑组织内雌激素可能通过ER-β这一新的信号途径发挥多种重要的调控作用,如学习记忆等。     

综述:脑内线粒体雌激素受体β在女性阿尔茨海默病发生过程中的作用

脑内雌激素水平下降被认为与女性阿尔茨海默病(AD)相关,女性阿尔茨海默病患者脑中胞浆、细胞核、线粒体中的雌激素受体?茁(estrogen receptor β,ERβ)水平也较正常老年女性低．老年大鼠脑内ERβ水平发生显著下降．敲除ERβ影响小鼠的学习和记忆功能,雌激素或ERβ选择性激动剂能够改善神经元突触相关蛋白表达．在神经元中,ERβ与线粒体共定位,提示定位于线粒体上的ERβ,可能参与线粒体功能的调节,从而影响神经元功能．     

雌激素受体α和β免疫反应在雄性和雌性棕色田鼠脑区分布的比较

单配制和多配制动物社会行为有差异,这些差异可能与雌激素受体类型有关（ERs）。虽然多配制大鼠和小鼠中枢神经雌激素受体α（ERα）和β（ERβ）免疫反应在大脑的分布已有报道,单配制雄性草原田鼠中枢神经ERα的分布也有报道,但单配制田鼠ERα和（或）ERβ在雌性和雄性分布差异未见报道。本研究对雄性和雌性棕色田鼠前脑区域ERα和ERβ免疫反应（IR）细胞数量进行比较。研究结果表明：（1）免疫反应主要分布在细胞核中。 （2）ERα-IR和ERβ-IR细胞广泛分布于整个雌性和雄性前脑区域,在许多脑区表达有重叠。然而,不同受体在雌雄不同脑核中的分布数量是不同的。（3）ERα 和ERβ的分布存在性别差异。例如,雌性ERα在视前核中部（MPN）,终纹床和（BNST）和杏仁内侧核（MeA）比雄性多,相反雄性ERβ在MPN和BNST比雌性多。这些研究结果可能为我们理解如何通过ERα和ERβ调节动物的社会行为,及雌性和雄性社会行为的差异提供一个重要的神经解剖学基础。     

大鼠下丘脑视前区神经元内雌激素受体α的表达--免疫组织化学研究

了解雌激素受体α(estrogen receptor alpha, ERα)在大鼠脑的分布及大鼠下丘脑视前区雌激素受体样阳性神经元的生后发育规律.用免疫组织化学反应方法结合图像分析仪检测雌性大鼠下丘脑视前区雌激素受体样阳性神经元的数量和灰度值.ERα分布于Calleja岛、梨形核、外侧隔核、基底前脑胆碱能神经元各群、终纹床核、下丘脑内侧视前区、室周核、腹内侧核、弓状核和结节乳头核、再连合和前内侧丘脑核、杏仁核复合体、梨形皮质和穹窿下器官.相比之下,皮质和海马内仅见几个分散的 ERα样阳性神经元.而纹状体内未见ERα样阳性神经元.ERα免疫反应产物主要位于细胞核内,蓝黑色.在成年雌性大鼠下丘脑内侧视前区(medial preoptic area, MPA)神经元的胞浆和突起内可见较弱的ERα免疫反应产物.在MPA内,生后1天可见ERα表达,随着大鼠的生后发育,成年时达到高峰.与成年大鼠比较,老年雌性大鼠雌激素受体样阳性神经元数量减少10.05%,P＞0.05,差异无显著性;平均灰度减少41.57%,P＜0.05,差异有显著性.老年雌性大鼠下丘脑MPA内ERα表达下调,可能与卵巢功能减退而导致情感、记忆变化有关.     

生后雌性小鼠下丘脑室旁核内ER—β表达的免疫组化研究

研究发现小鼠下丘脑室旁核(PVN)内雌激素β受体(ER-β)的表达与在大鼠等一些实验动物脑PVN的表达有差异,提示其在小鼠PVN内的表达可能有特定的生理意义。为了深入探讨ER—β在小鼠PVN内的功能,本文采用硫酸镍铵增强显色的免疫组化SP法研究了ER—β在生后雌性小鼠PVN内的表达。结果发现ER—β免疫阳性物质主要见于PVN的大细胞部,在小细胞部和背侧帽部免疫阳性细胞数目较少。免疫阳性物质主要位于细胞核内,未发现明显的胞浆或突起阳性,但在发育的某些时期可见免疫阳性细胞核局部呈现阴性反应。最高表达见于生后早期(第1—9天),随后表达降低,生后一个月即达到成年水平。PVN内ER-β的表达模式表现为生后早期表达高、随后降低,提示在该部位ER—β可能主要参与了对生后早期PVN的神经内分泌活动以及神经结构的发育与完善的调控,并可能与生后早期动物的应激、体重增加和脂肪代谢等有关。     

雌激素受体α和β免疫反应在雄性和雌性棕色田鼠脑区分布的比较（英文）

单配制和多配制动物社会行为有差异,这些差异可能与雌激素受体类型有关(ERs)。虽然多配制大鼠和小鼠中枢神经雌激素受体α(ERα)和β(ERβ)免疫反应在大脑的分布已有报道,单配制雄性草原田鼠中枢神经ERα的分布也有报道,但单配制田鼠ERα和(或)ERβ在雌性和雄性分布差异未见报道。本研究对雄性和雌性棕色田鼠前脑区域ERα和ERβ免疫反应(IR)细胞数量进行比较。研究结果表明:(1)免疫反应主要分布在细胞核中。(2)ERα-IR和ERβ-IR细胞广泛分布于整个雌性和雄性前脑区域,在许多脑区表达有重叠。然而,不同受体在雌雄不同脑核中的分布数量不同。(3)ERα和ERβ的分布存在性别差异。例如,雌性ERα在视前核中部(MPN),终纹床核(BNST)和杏仁内侧核(Me A)比雄性多,相反雄性ERβ在MPN和BNST比雌性多。这些研究结果可能为我们理解如何通过ERα和ERβ调节动物的社会行为,及雌性和雄性社会行为的差异提供一个重要的神经解剖学基础。     

生后雌性小鼠下丘脑室旁核内ER-β表达的免疫组化研究

研究发现小鼠下丘脑室旁核(PVN)内雌激素β受体(ER-β)的表达与在大鼠等一些实验动物脑PVN的表达有差异,提示其在小鼠PVN内的表达可能有特定的生理意义。为了深入探讨ER-β在小鼠PVN内的功能,本文采用硫酸镍铵增强显色的免疫组化SP法研究了ER-β在生后雌性小鼠PVN内的表达。结果发现ER-β免疫阳性物质主要见于PVN的大细胞部,在小细胞部和背侧帽部免疫阳性细胞数目较少。免疫阳性物质主要位于细胞核内,未发现明显的胞浆或突起阳性,但在发育的某些时期可见免疫阳性细胞核局部呈现阴性反应。最高表达见于生后早期(第1-9天),随后表达降低,生后一个月即达到成年水平。PVN内ER-β的表达模式表现为生后早期表达高、随后降低,提示在该部位ER-β可能主要参与了对生后早期PVN的神经内分泌活动以及神经结构的发育与完善的调控,并可能与生后早期动物的应激、体重增加和脂肪代谢等有关。     

大鼠运动病敏感性性别差异与相关脑区AVP及其V1b受体表达的关系

目的：检测不同性别大鼠旋转刺激后脑内相关区域精氨酸加压素（AVP）含量及V1b受体表达的变化,探讨AVP及受体参与运动病的可能机制。方法：给予SD大鼠30 min绕水平轴的旋转刺激,然后采用放免法检测相关脑区AVP含量,并通过荧光免疫组化方法测定相应脑区V1b受体的表达情况。结果：①在雌性大鼠,旋转刺激组各脑区AVP含量无显著性改变;对于雄性大鼠,对照组各检测脑区AVP含量高于雌性,旋转刺激组小脑、延髓内AVP含量的变化无显著性意义,但前脑、间脑、脑桥内AVP含量较对照组明显降低（P〈0.05）。②雌性大鼠视上核AVP的V1b受体表达阳性神经元数量旋转刺激组显著低于对照组（P〈0.05）,而前庭核、最后区V1b受体表达阳性神经元数量明显多于对照组（P〈0.05）;在雄性大鼠,旋转刺激组视上核与前庭核V1b受体表达阳性神经元数量无显著性改变,而最后区V1b受体表达阳性神经元数量有所增加（P〈0.05）,但增加幅度没有雌性大鼠明显。结论：前脑、间脑、脑桥内AVP含量与前庭核和最后区V1b受体表达及对旋转刺激反应的差异可能与运动病敏感性性别差异有关,并且前庭核、最后区可能是AVP-V1受体拮抗剂抗运动病作用的靶点。     

雌激素受体α和β在不同雌激素干预大鼠骨代谢中的表达

应用雌性大鼠的骨质疏松模型,通过骨密度(BMD)检测、RT-PCR和Westernblot等技术观察去卵巢(Ovariectomy,OVX)、结合性雌激素(ConjugatedEquineEstrogens,CEE)和戊酸雌二醇(EstradiolValerate,EV)对大鼠松质骨骨量以及松质骨中雌激素受体(ER)α和βmRNA和蛋白表达的影响,探讨两受体亚型在介导雌激素参与松质骨代谢的不同作用机制以及不同来源雌激素对ERα和ERβ表达的差异性调节。40只7-8周龄的雌性Sprague-Dawley大鼠,在观察动情周期后随机分成四组:对照组(Control,n=10)、去卵巢组(Ovariectomy,OVX,n=10)、去卵巢后结合性雌激素治疗组(CEE,n=10)和去卵巢后戊酸雌二醇治疗组(EV,n=10)。对照组大鼠行假手术,其余三组行去卵巢手术。术后48天(12个动情周期),对照组和OVX组用生理盐水喂养12天(3个动情周期),CEE组和EV组分别用药物的生理盐水溶液喂养12天。结果显示:在对照组中,大鼠松质骨ERα的蛋白表达水平显著性高于ERβ蛋白表达水平,而ERα的mRNA表达水平显著性低于ERβmRNA水平。与对照组相比,OVX组大鼠松质骨中ERα的蛋白表达水平显著性降低,ERαmRNA表达水平显著性增加,而ERβ蛋白和mRNA的表达水平均显著性增加。与OVX组相比,CEE组大鼠松质骨中ERβ蛋白和mRNA的表达水平均显著性下降,而EV组大鼠松质骨中ERα蛋白表达显著性上升,ERαmRNA表达显著性下降,ERβ蛋白表达显著性下降。此外,OVX大鼠松质骨的骨密度下降均可通过应用CEE和EV得到显著性改善。上述结果提示:⑴ERα可能是大鼠松质骨中优势表达的受体亚型,在介导雌激素参与松质骨代谢中起着主导作用。⑵不同来源雌激素可能侧重不同的ER亚型途径产生骨保护效应。     

益坤宁对围绝经期大鼠下丘脑雌激素受体表达的影响

目的检测益坤宁对围绝经期大鼠下丘脑雌激素受体（estrogen receptor,ER）表达的影响,探讨益坤宁治疗围绝经期综合征的作用机制。方法采用自然衰老的围绝经期大鼠,随机分为围绝经期对照组、西药对照组和中药实验组;另取5月龄青年雌性大鼠做青年对照组。各组大鼠分别连续灌胃给予生理盐水、利维爱、中药益坤宁和生理盐水4周。通过免疫组化观察大鼠下丘脑ER蛋白的表达部位;Western blot定量检测大鼠下丘脑ERα和ERβ蛋白表达。结果ERα、ERβ蛋白主要表达于细胞胞质中。围绝经期对照组与青年组相比,ERa、E邓蛋白表达量明显下降（P〈0．05,P〈0．01）;中药实验组与围绝经期对照组比较,ERα、ERB蛋白表达量均明显增多（P〈0．05,P〈0．01）;西药对照组与围绝经期对照组相比,ERα、ERβ蛋白表达量增多（P〈0．05）。结论益坤宁通过提高围绝经期大鼠下丘脑组织中ERα、ERβ蛋白表达水平,使ER的合成增加,从而提高雌激素靶组织中ER的含量以增强雌激素的生物活性而发挥治疗作用。     

Fos Expression in the Rat Brain After Intraperitoneal Injection of Staphylococcus Enterotoxin B and the Effect of Vagotomy

The current study was designed to locate the neuronal activation in rat brain following intraperitoneal injection of Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) and observe the consequence of preliminary subdiaphragmatic vagotomy on SEB-induced brain Fos expression to clarify the role of the vagus nerve in sensation and transmission of abdominal SEB stimulation. The results showed that intraperitoneal SEB (1 mg/kg) induced a robust Fos expression in widespread brain areas. A significant increase of Fos immunoreactive cells were observed in the solitary tract nucleus, locus ceruleus, lateral parabrachial nucleus, ventrolateral part of central gray, medial amygdaloid nucleus, central amygdaloid nucleus, ventromedial part of thalamus, dorsomedial part of thalamus, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, lateral habenula, and lateral septum nucleus following SEB challenge. In hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, in addition to the dense Fos expression in the parvocellular portion, some Fos-positive cells were also observed in the anterior magnocellular nucleus of the complex. Double immunofluorescence studies showed that these Fos-immunoreactive cells were mostly oxytocinergic. The results also showed that subdiaphragmatic vagotomy largely attenuated, but not totally abrogated, the brain Fos expression induced by abdominal administration of SEB. Our data suggest that peripheral SEB stimulation can induce activation of neurons in widespread brain areas and that the vagus plays a crucial role in transmitting the signal of abdominal immune stimulation to the brain.     

Distribution of estrogen receptor-beta messenger ribonucleic acid in the male sheep hypothalamus.

As a first step in determining possible influences of the newly discovered estrogen receptor (ER)-beta on reproduction, we have localized mRNA for ER-beta within the male sheep hypothalamus using in situ hybridization and a rat ER-beta cRNA probe. Highest amounts of hybridization signal were observed in the preoptic area (POA), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, paraventricular nucleus, and supraoptic nucleus. Relatively moderate amounts of hybridization signal were observed in the retrochiasmatic area (RCH), anterior hypothalamic area, dorsomedial hypothalamus, and lateral hypothalamus. Only a low level of hybridization signal was observed in the ventromedial hypothalamus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, and arcuate nucleus. The presence of ER-beta mRNA in several areas of the male sheep hypothalamus suggests multiple functions for this receptor. The distribution of ER-beta in the ovine hypothalamus was similar to that described for the rat, suggesting a high degree of functional conservation across species. A role for ER-beta in influencing reproduction is suggested by its presence in the POA and RCH, regions of the hypothalamus that control reproduction.     

Ontogeny of the FMRFamide-immunoreactivity in the rat forebrain and diencephalon

Ontogeny of the FMRFamide (molluscan cardioexcitatory neuropeptide)-containing structures in the forebrain and diencephalon of the rat was investigated by employing immunohistochemical methods. FMRFamide-like immunoreacted (FMRF-IR) fibers first appeared in the borders of the periventricular zone and the preoptic area at embryonic day 18 (E18). Toward birth, the FMRF-IR fibers gradually increased both in immunoreactivity and in number in these areas. A pronounced increase in FMRF-IR was also found in the septum, the arcuate nucleus, the median eminence, the paraventricular nucleus and the amygdaloid complex. A few FMRF-IR fibers appeared at the prenatal stage in the caudate nucleus, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the dorsomedial nucleus and the cortex. The first FMRFamide-immunoreactive neurons were seen in the caudate-putamen and the amygdaloid complex at E21. These FMRF-IR cells increased in immunoreactivity and a significant number of cells was noted in these nuclei in the adult rat. The highest density of FMRF-IR neurons, especially in the amygdala and tuberal hypothalamic area, was detected at postnatal two weeks (P15). FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the forebrain and diencephalon appeared in the cell fibers prior to that observed in the cell bodies. This may suggest that some of the immunoreacted fibers may have originated from the lower areas of the rat brain. High densities of FMRF-IR cells present in the embryonic and early postnatal stages may indicate that FMRFamide is an important factor involved in developmental organization of the central nervous system. These results also indicate a differential genesis of FMRF-IR neuronal groups in different regions.     

大鼠脑内代谢型谷氨酸受体5亚型(mGluR5)定位分布的免疫细胞化学研究

本研究用免疫细胞化学技术观察了大鼠脑内参与兴奋性突触传递的代谢型谷氨酸受体5亚型(mGluR5)的精确定位分布.mGluR5阳性浓染的神经元胞体和纤维密集地分布于大脑皮质浅层、嗅球、伏核、尾壳核、前脑基底部、隔区、苍白球、腹侧苍白球、海马CA1和CA2区、下丘中央核、被盖背侧核和三叉神经脊束核尾侧亚核浅层;淡染而稀疏的mGluR5阳性神经元胞体和纤维见于屏状核、终纹床核、杏仁中央核、丘脑部分核团、上丘浅灰质层、外侧丘系背侧核和延髓中央灰质.     

Expression of dihydropyridine-sensitive brain calcium channels in the rat central nervous system.

We have localized dihydropyridine (DHP-sensitive calcium channels in rat brain by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. The mRNA for the dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channel alpha 1 subunit (DHPR-B) is prominently localized in neuronal cells in the olfactory bulb, dentate gyrus, hippocampus, arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, ventromedial nucleus, cerebral cortex, superior colliculus and the cerebellar Purkinje cell layer. Strong expression of DHPR-B mRNA was also found in the pituitary and pineal glands. DHP-sensitive calcium channel alpha 1 subunit distribution has also been examined immunohistochemically with polyclonal antibodies raised against synthetic peptides specific for the DHPR-B alpha 1 subunit protein. The results from immunohistochemistry were in good agreement with those from in situ hybridization. Thus, regional distribution and localization of DHPR-B mRNA and alpha 1 subunit protein in rat brain suggest that this type of DHP-sensitive brain calcium channel may play an important role in excitation-secretion coupling functions in the neuroendocrine system.     

Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Binding Sites: Autoradiographic Distribution in the Rat and Guinea Pig Brain

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) binding sites were labeled in vitro in mounted brain tissue sections from rat and guinea pig brains with [3H]methyl TRH and localized autoradiographically using 3H-sensitive film. Regional densities of TRH binding sites were measured by computer-assisted microdensitometry. The distribution of sites in both species was highly heterogeneous. In both guinea pig and rat brains, the highest densities of binding sites were seen in the amygdaloid nuclei and the perirhinal cortex. In contrast, in other brain areas, a clear difference between the distribution of sites in rat and guinea pig was found. The temporal cortex, pontine nuclei, and interpeduncular nucleus, which contained high densities of binding in the guinea pig, were scarcely labeled in the rat. The accessory olfactory bulb and the septohippocampal area presented in the rat higher concentrations of binding sites than in the guinea pig. Other brain areas showing intermediate to low densities in both species were accumbens nucleus, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, dentate gyrus, facial and hypoglossal nuclei, and gelatinosus subnucleus of the trigeminal nerve, among others. The anterior pituitary also presented low to intermediate concentrations of receptors. The distribution of TRH sites here described does not completely correlate with that of endogenous TRH, but is in good agreement with previous biochemical data. The results are discussed in correlation to the physiological effects that appear to be mediated by TRH.     

Sex-Steroid Receptor Mechanism Related to Neuronal Aromatase and the Stigmoid Body

Recent immunohistochemical analyses of rat brains have established the presence of neuronal aromatase and stigmoid body in interfaces of a sex-steroid/brain axis. Aromatase P450-immunoreactive (AROM-I) neurons, which are present only during embryonic Day 16 to postnatal Day 2 (E16-P2), are found in the anterior medial preoptic nucleus, the periventricular preoptic nucleus, and the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. The largest AROM-I cell-group localized in the medial preoptico-amygdaloid neuronal arc (mPO-AM) shows a peak during E18-P2 and gradually diminishes after the perinatal days (but still retains the immunoreactivity in adults). In adults, other groups of AROM-I neurons emerge in the lateral septum, the central amygdaloid nucleus, and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Male-predominant sex difference for aromatase expression has been detected at least in the young-to-adult mPO-AM, reflecting sexually distinct endocrine and behavioral responses in the rat reproductive functions. These results suggest the presence of distinct brain-aromatases with different regulatory systems. Neuronal aromatase may modulate development of sexual dimorphism in neonates and activation of reproductive functions in adults. The stigmoid bodies, marked by placental aromatase-associated antigen X-P₂ (PAX) antiserum, are also frequent in the sex-steroid targets of rat brains and intimately coexist with estrogen receptors in the mPO-AM of young females. The neuronal inclusion, suspected as a RNA/protein conglomerate, appears to be induced by the decrease of androgen and/or the increase of estrogen, especially as a result of subneuronal aromatic switching into the estrogenous state. The neuronal aromatase and stigmoid body may play important roles in the pre- and post-receptor steps of subneuronal sex-steroids actions for brain sexual differentiation or induction of reproductive functions.     

侧脑室注射肾上腺髓质素增加大鼠心血管相关核团中c-fos的表达并激活脑内一氧化氮神经元

本研究利用Fos蛋白和一氧化氮合酶(nNOS)双重免疫组化方法,观察侧腑脑室注射肾上腺髓质素(adrenomedullin,ADM)对大鼠心血管相关核中c-fos表达及一氧化氮神经元的影响,以探讨ADM在中枢的作用部位并研究其在中枢的作用是否有NO神经元参与。侧脑室注射ADM(1nmol／kg,3nmol／kg)诱发脑干的孤束核、最后区、蓝斑核、臂旁核和外侧巨细胞旁核,下丘脑的室旁核、视上核才腹内侧核以及前脑的中央杏仁核和外侧缰核等多个部位的心血管中枢出现大量Fos样免疫反应神经元。侧脑室注射ADM(3nmol／kg),引起脑干的孤束核、外侧巨细胞旁核,下丘脑的室旁核、视上核内的Fos-nNOS双标神经元增加;ADM(1nmol／kg)亦可引起室旁核、视上核内的Fos-nNOS双标神经元增加,而对孤束核、外侧巨细胞旁核内的Fos-nNOS双标神经元无影响。降钙素基因相关肽(calcitonin gene—related peptide,CGRP)受体拈抗剂CGRP8-37(30nmol／kg)可明显减弱此效应。以上结果表明,ADM可兴奋脑内多个心血管相关核闭的神经元并激活室旁核、视上核、孤束核及外侧巨细胞核内一氧化氮神经元,此效应可能部分山CGRP受体介导。     

Immunocytochemical localization of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the rat brain

The immunocytochemical localization of neurons containing the 41 amino acid peptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the rat brain is described. The detection of CRF-like immunoreactivity in neurons was facilitated by colchicine pretreatment of the rats and by silver intensification of the diaminobenzidine end-product. The presence of immunoreactive CRF in perikarya, neuronal processes, and terminals in all major subdivisions of the rat brain is demonstrated. Aggregates of CRF-immunoreactive perikarya are found in the paraventricular, supraoptic, medial and periventricular preoptic, and premammillary nuclei of the hypothalamus, the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis and of the anterior commissure, the medial septal nucleus, the nucleus accumbens, the central amygdaloid nucleus, the olfactory bulb, the locus ceruleus, the parabrachial nucleus, the superior and inferior colliculus, and the medial vestibular nucleus. A few scattered perikarya with CRF-like immunoreactivity are present along the paraventriculo-infundibular pathway, in the anterior hypothalamus, the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, and the periaqueductal gray of the mesencephalon and pons. Processes with CRF-like immunoreactivity are present in all of the above areas as well as in the cerebellum. The densest accumulation of CRF-immunoreactive terminals is seen in the external zone of the median eminence, with some immunoreactive CRF also present in the internal zone. The widespread but selective distribution of neurons containing CRF-like immunoreactivity supports the neuroendocrine role of this peptide and suggests that CRF, similarly to other neuropeptides, may also function as a neuromodulator throughout the brain.