CRF (human, rat)

CRF (human, rat) is an endogenous peptide agonist of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor, with K_i values of 3.3, 42, and 47nM for hCRF₁, rCRF_2A, and mCRF_2B, respectively^[1]. CRF (human, rat) is a hypothalamic peptide composed of 41 amino acids that is widely expressed in neurons throughout the mammalian brain and some peripheral tissues (such as the pancreas, stomach, and small intestine)^[2]. CRF can stimulate the synthesis and secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the anterior pituitary^[3]. CRF can increase the excitability of type II dlBNST neurons by activating the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway, thereby causing pain-induced aversion reactions^[4]. The acute central anorectic and hypermetabolic effects of CRF are affected by age and gender^[5].

References:
[1] Parra Mercado G K. Papel de*-arrestina2 en la seúalización del receptor para el factor liberador de corticotropina tipo 1 (CRF*)[D]. Tesis (MC)--Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN Departamento de Bioquímica., 2015.
[2] De Souza E B, Grigoriadis D E. Corticotropin-releasing factor: Physiology, pharmacology, and role in central nervous system disorders[J]. Neuropsychopharmacology: the fifth generation of progress. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 2002: 91-107.
[3] ABOU‐SAMRA A B, Harwood J P, Catt K J, et al. Mechanisms of action of CRF and other regulators of ACTH release in pituitary corticotrophs[J]. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1987, 512(1): 67-84.
[4] Kaneko T, Kaneda K, Ohno A, et al. Activation of adenylate cyclase‐cyclic AMP‐protein kinase A signaling by corticotropin‐releasing factor within the dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis is involved in pain‐induced aversion[J]. European Journal of Neuroscience, 2016, 44(11): 2914-2924.
[5] Tenk J, Rostás I, Füredi N, et al. Acute central effects of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) on energy balance: Effects of age and gender[J]. Peptides, 2016, 85: 63-72.