CAS 9015-71-8: Corticotropin-releasing factor

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is a peptide that regulates the release of corticotropin from the anterior pituitary gland. CRF is a regulatory neurotransmitter that binds to its receptor and activates the G protein, which stimulates adenylyl cyclase. This enzyme increases intracellular levels of cAMP, which leads to activation of protein kinase A. This phosphorylates CRF receptors, thereby decreasing their affinity for CRF. The binding of calcium ions also decreases the affinity for CRF receptors. These two mechanisms help regulate synaptic transmission by controlling the amount of CRF released at each synapse. In addition, CRF has been shown to play an important role in immune functions and genetic control.

Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) is a peptide hormone involved in the regulation of the neuroendocrine system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The hypothalamus releases CRF during stress and in turn CRF stimulates the production of stress hormones such as glucocorticoids and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). A negative feedback loop is created as glucocorticoids then prevents further endocrine activity exhibited by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Interestingly in patients with depression, it has been found that the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis is over stimulated thus increased production of CRF occurs resulting in depression symptoms. Furthermore studies have shown the expression of CRF receptors in glial cells and T-cells and elevated levels of CRF and glucocorticoids prevent T-cell proliferation. During stress cytokines can also stimulate the secretion of CRF. However CRF can also regulate these cytokines. CRF has the potential to be used in the research into depression treatments.  This product is available as a 0.1mg vial.

This product is an ovine, Corticotropin Release Factor (CRF) and is available as a 0.5mg vial. CRF is a peptide hormone and a key regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. In response to stress the hypothalams releases CRF which stimulates the production of glucocorticoids and adrenocorticotropin, which are stress hormones. Glucocorticoids are then involved in a negative feedback loop, in that they prevent the pituitary gland and hypothalamus from exhibiting any further endocrine activity. Studies have shown that symptoms of depression can be caused by the over production of CRF due to the overstimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis. Interestingly CRF receptors are expressed in both glial cells and T cells. Elevated levels of CRF and glucocorticoids prevent T-cell proliferation. During stress cytokines can also stimulate the secretion of CRF. However CRF can also regulate these cytokines. CRF has the potential to be used in the research into depression treatments.