The role of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (CRF) in preclinical models of depression

Abstract

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression and anxiety, as it plays a critical role in the neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses to stress. Moreover, CRF in the extrahypothalamic area has been closely linked to depression and anxiety. As recent studies have strengthened the view that CRF in the dorsal raphe nucleus and locus ceruleus is involved in preclinical animal models of depression, the recent progress concerning CRF is worthy of review. First, we describe the distribution and function of CRF in brain. Then, we present the role of CRF in preclinical animal models of depression. Further research on CRF and its receptors should help to clarify the pathophysiology of depression and improve the treatment of this debilitating disease. Copyright © 2010, Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology.