The physiology of corticotropin-releasing hormone deficiency in mice

A review of the generation and characterization of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-deficient mice is presented. The studies summarized demonstra te the central role of CRH in the pituitary adrenal axis response to stress , circadian stimulation, and glucocorticoid withdrawal. Additionally. pro-i nflammatory actions of CRH at sites of local inflammation are given further support. In contrast, behavioral effects during stress that had been ascri bed to CRH action are not altered in CRH-deficient mice. The normal behavio ral response to stress in CRH-deficient mice strongly suggests the importan ce of other, possibly as yet undiscovered, CRH-like molecules. (C) 2001 Els evier Science Inc. All rights reserved.