The corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) antagonist α-helical CRF [9-41] exhibits 10-fold higher affinity for rat CRF2α receptors over human CRF2α receptors. It has been used to elucidate the role of CRF in various physiological systems. In colonic epithelium, it abolishes CRF-induced changes in ion secretion, and significantly inhibits CRF-stimulated conductance. It antagonizes the CRF-induced proinflammatory degranulation of perivascular mast cells that are activated in response to acute psychological stress and CRF secretion.
