Fig. 4.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) expression is downregulated in the hypothalamus after BDL. Rats underwent BDL surgery, and the hypothalamus was dissected at various times postsurgery. Expression of CRH was assessed by real-time PCR (A) and immunoblotting (B). Values are means ± SE; n = 4. *P < 0.05. C: hypothalamic CRH immunoreactivity assessed by immunofluorescence (red) in whole brain sections 7 days after BDL or sham surgery. Sections were counterstained with 4′,6-diaminido-2-phenylindole (DAPI, blue). Original magnification ×40. D and E: CRH levels in pituitary lysates and serum, respectively, assessed by commercially available EIA. Values are means ± SE; n = 5. *P < 0.05 vs. sham.