Corticotropin-releasing factor: effects on the autonomic nervous system and visceral systems

Fed Proc. 1985 Jan;44(1 Pt 2):243-8.

Abstract

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) acts within the central nervous system to modify the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, cardiovascular function, endocrine-pancreatic function, and carbohydrate metabolism. These changes in animal physiology induced by CRF provide a tenable basis for hypothesizing that this peptide may be physiologically involved in integrating the neuroendocrine, autonomic, cardiovascular, and metabolic responses to stressful stimuli. This hypothesis is supported by studies demonstrating that glucocorticoids or CRF receptor antagonists alter both the neuroendocrine and autonomic responses to stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Medulla / drug effects
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
  • Angiotensin II / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Autonomic Nervous System / drug effects*
  • Autonomic Nervous System / physiology
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Cardiovascular System / drug effects
  • Corticosterone / pharmacology
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / pharmacology*
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / physiology
  • Dogs
  • Epinephrine / blood
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Hyperglycemia / chemically induced
  • Norepinephrine / blood
  • Rats
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / drug effects

Substances

  • Angiotensin II
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Corticosterone
  • Norepinephrine
  • Epinephrine