ENDOTOXIN REGULATES CORTICOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE-RECEPTOR-2 IN HEART AND SKELETAL-MUSCLE

We tested the effect of endotoxin on the peripheral corticotropin-rele asing hormone receptor (CRH-R2), which is highly expressed in the hear t. Systemic injection of LPS markedly downregulated CRH-R2 mRNA levels in the heart in a dose and time dependent manner. In contrast, CRH-R2 levels in skeletal muscle increased following exposure to endotoxin. These results suggest that CRH-R2 may be differentially regulated in c ardiac tissue and skeletal muscle. Finding that CRH-R2 expression in t he heart is modulated by endotoxin, a potent inducer of cardiovascular dysregulation, suggests a possible link between CRH and the cardiovas cular response to stress. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.