Urocortin: A novel player in cardiac control

Urocortin is a potent regulator of cardiac function, with actions that are prolonged in experimental animals. These changes are mediated via binding t o corticotropin-releasing factor receptors found in peripheral tissues. The effects of urocortin on behavior, appetite, inflammation, and the cardiova scular system suggest that this peptide may be an endogenous factor mediati ng actions previously attributed to corticotropin-releasing factor.