No abstract

Single and double immunocytochemical techniques were applied to the brain and pituitary of carps and goldfish. With the use of antiserum raised against synthetic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), immunoreactive perikarya were observed in the nucleus praeopticus and the nucleus praeopticus periventricularis. CRF-like-immunoreactive hypothalamic nerve fibers reach the pituitary. In cyprinids, some fine fibers enter the rostral neurohypophysis bordered by prolactin- and ACTH cells. Other thicker fibers extend ventrocaudally into the neurointermediate lobe. This CRF-like system appears to differ from the SRIF-like system, which is restricted to the proximal pars distalis of the pituitary containing somatotrophs.