Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in stress and disease: a review of literature and treatment perspectives with special emphasis on psychiatric disorders

Nord J Psychiatry. 2008;62(1):8-16. doi: 10.1080/08039480801983588.

Abstract

The CRF family of neuropeptides and receptors is involved in a variety of stress responses, in the regulation of appetite, metabolic and inflammatory processes as well as intestinal movements. From a primarily psychiatric perspective, the present paper reviews the literature on its anatomy, physiology and its involvement in psychiatric, neurological and inflammatory diseases. Finally, recent developments in the pharmacological aspects of CRF in these diseases are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism
  • Amygdala / metabolism
  • Appetite
  • Brain Stem / metabolism
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / physiology*
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Therapy
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism*
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Locus Coeruleus / metabolism
  • Mental Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Mental Disorders* / metabolism
  • Mental Disorders* / physiopathology
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Spinal Cord / metabolism
  • Stress, Psychological / metabolism*

Substances

  • Neuropeptides
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • CRF receptor type 1
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone