Uses
Anti-Corticotropin Releasing Factor antibody produced in rabbit has been used in immunohistochemistry (1:2000) and radioimmunoassay.
General Description
Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF), a 41 amino acid neuropeptide, belongs to a family of structurally related peptides including urocortin, sauvagine and urotensin I. CRF is derived from a larger 196 amino acids precursor protein (preproCRF). CRF is widely distributed in the brain and peripheral nervous system, with the highest levels in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN).
Biochem/physiol Actions
Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) is critical in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal gland axis, and autonomic and behavioral responses to stress. CRF effects include changes in motor and cognitive behavior, appetite control and modulation of the immune system. CRF is a potent stimulator of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion by corticotroph cells from the anterior pituitary in vitro and in vivo. The effects of CRF are mediated through CRF receptor subtypes CRFR1 and CRFR2 (splice variants). CRF binds with a high affinity to CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP), which inactivates CRF, while ligands that dissociate CRF from CRF-BP exhibit cognition-enhancing properties. CRF overproduction has been implicated in anorexia and depression and may lead to Cushing′s syndrome. CRF levels are correlated with Alzheimer′s Disease (AD) pathogenesis.
