SummaryThe effect of an experimentally induced stress reaction on the amount of "Gomori-positive" granules, demonstrable in the median eminence of bilaterally adrenalectomized rats was studied. Application of formalin s.c. or histamine i.m. from the 15th to the 17th day p.o., or i.p. injection of Pyrifer | from the 15th to 21st day p.o., with simultaneous administration of 1% NaCI drinking fluid, has no effect on the amount of granules. On the other hand, the amount of granules diminishes if the animals, during a 3-day treatment with formalin, histamine or Pyrifer | are given solely tap water to drink.Water deprivation from the 15th to the 17th day after bilateral adrenalectomy also causes a marked reduction in the amount of granules.It is assumed that the granules represent the morphological correlate of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). The findings are related to the results of pharmacological studies on the behaviour of the CRF-activity during stress.