Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors and urocortins, links between the brain and the heart.
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a 41 amino acid peptide, was discovered as a key signal in mediating neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses to stress. It was revealed later that there exist additional CRF-like peptides, termed urocortins. The CRF receptor subtype 1 (CRF1 receptor) is predominant in the brain whereas subtype 2 (CRF2 receptor) is highly expressed in the brain and the heart. Both centrally and peripherally administered CRF and urocortins produce significant hemodynamic effects via activation of CRF receptors in the brain and the heart. CRF and urocortins are important neural and cardioactive hormones, and are potentially useful therapy for heart failure.
Max-Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Maona, USA. yang_2001q@yahoo.com
Li-Zhen
LZ
Yang
Philip
P
Tovote
Martin
M
Rayner
Jens
J
Kockskämper
Burkert
B
Pieske
Joachim
J
Spiess
D000818:Animals; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D010455:Peptides / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D054832:Urocortins
D010455:Peptides; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D054832:Urocortins; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone