A large body of data suggests that the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system serves to coordinate the autonomic, endocrine, immune and behavioral aspects of the stress response. In rats, the distribution of CRF receptors in brain and pituitary has been well characterized, however, little information is available in primates. In this study, CRF receptors were characterized by radioligand binding and localized using autoradiography with [125I]-oCRF in the pituitary gland and in discrete brain regions of 2-week-old, 12-week-old and adult rhesus monkeys. Autoradiographic localization studies in slide-mounted tissue sections in the 2- and 12-week-old monkeys demonstrated high CRF receptor densities in both anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary as well as in discrete regions of the brain. The distribution of CRF receptors in the anterior pituitary demonstrated a 'cluster-like' appearance reminiscent of corticotrope distribution. In contrast, receptors in the intermediate lobe were more uniformly distributed. No significant differences were evident in the pattern of localization or the number of CRF receptors in the pituitaries of 2- compared to 12-week-old animals. However, marked differences were observed in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Receptors in this region were absent in 1- to 2-week old animals but quite dense by 11–12 weeks of age. Conversely, in the lateral and medial geniculate nuclei, high levels of CRF receptors were identified early in life that virtually disappeared by 11–12 weeks of age. Thus, there is considerable correspondence in the development of the CRF system between the rat and rhesus monkey and this presents further evidence for the functional role of this peptide in brain development.

Keywords:
Central nervous system, Ontogeny, Radioligand binding, Receptor subtype, Stress
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1995 S. Karger AG, Basel
1995
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.