The role of CRF receptor subtypes in stress-induced behavioural responses

The actions of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and CRF-related peptide s in the brain and periphery are mediated through multiple receptors. Two C RF receptor subtypes that differ markedly in their pharmacological profiles and anatomical distribution have been identified and characterized. Import ant advances have been made in understanding CRF and its actions through th e development of specific CRF receptor antagonists, application of antisens e oligonucleotides, and the production of transgenic mice lacking functiona l CRF, receptors. This chapter describes recent findings with respect to CR F-related peptides and CRF receptors and their role in stress-induced behav iours. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.