Changes in brain corticotropin-releasing factor messenger RNA expression in aged Fischer 344 rats

Adaptation in aging may become impaired from abnormal expression of cortico tropin-releasing factor (CRF) and altered CRF receptor function. In this st udy, we measured CRF mRNA levels in Fischer 344 rats at various ages. The b rains of these rats were processed for in situ hybridization. Relative to 3 -month-old rats, levels of CRF mRNA were significantly decreased in the fol lowing brain areas at the following ages: at 24 months in the paraventricul ar hypothalamus, at 11, 17, and 24 months in the amygdala and at 17 and 24 months in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. These changes may contri bute to impaired adaptations to stress, cognitive decline and other pathoph ysiological processes during aging. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All righ ts reserved.