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Free keywords:
CORTICOTROPIN-RELEASING-FACTOR; EDINGER-WESTPHAL-NUCLEUS;
CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM; ANXIETY-LIKE BEHAVIOR; HORMONE-RECEPTOR 1;
UROCORTIN-LIKE IMMUNOREACTIVITY; IMPAIRED STRESS-RESPONSE; MESSENGER-RNA
EXPRESSION; FACTOR-BINDING PROTEIN; FACTOR CRF RECEPTORBehavioral Sciences; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Cell Biology;
Endocrinology & Metabolism; Neurosciences & Neurology;
Abstract:
Maintaining homeostasis in response to real or perceived challenges requires the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Regulators of this axis are corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and CRF-related neuropeptides, including urocortins 1, 2, and 3. To promote adaptation to stress, CRF and urocortins bind and activate their cognate receptors, viz. CRF receptors 1 and 2. A well-balanced action of CRF and urocortins, the diversity of receptors and other modulators as well as their region-specific (co)distribution orchestrate the complex and diverse endocrine and behavioral responses to stress. In the following, we will overview the physiological significance of major CRF system components and their involvement in maintaining body and mental health during stress, as well as their potentials as therapeutic approaches to treat stress-induced brain diseases such as anxiety and major depression.
