Photomicrograph illustrating a close relationship between corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-ir puncta and parvalbumin (PV)-positive or negative somata in rat anterior cingulate cortex. PV-ir neurons and processes are marked by FITC fluorescence (green) whereas CRF-ir puncta with Texas Red fluorescence (red). The yellow color indicates the merging of FITC and Texas Red fluorescence. CRF-ir puncta (non-PV containing) make possible pericellular contacts on local GABA neurons containing both CRF and PV. Increased levels of CRF in axon terminals are reported during amphetamine withdrawal. This may be a mechanism whereby altered GABA inhibitory tone during psychostimulant withdrawal leading to relapse to drug seeking. See Mohila and Onn, pp. 262-274.
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