Does the CRH binding protein shield the anterior pituitary from placental CRH?
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRH) is released from the hypothalamus and travels to the anterior pituitary where it stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). In turn, ACTH travels through the blood and stimulates the release of cortisol from the adrenal. The placenta is also a source of CRH and is responsible for the dramatic rises in CRH plasma levels in the third trimester of pregnancy. A CRH binding protein may stop placental CRH from overstimulating the pituitary and may contribute to the reason that pregnant women show only mildly elevated levels of ACTH in the blood. There is evidence to suggest, however, that the CRH binding protein does not completely shield the corticotrope from placental CRH.
Thomson
M
M
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Western Sydney Nepean, Kingswood, NSW, Australia. m.thomson@uws.edu.au
D000818:Animals; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000502:physiology*; D010920:Placenta / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000502:physiology*
D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone