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Abstract:
Dysregulation of the corticotropin-releasing factor ( CRF)-urocortin (
UCN) system has been implicated in stress-related psychopathologies such
as depression and anxiety. It has been proposed that CRF-CRF receptor
type 1 ( CRFR1) signalling promotes the stress response and anxiety-like
behaviour, whereas UCNs and CRFR2 activation mediate stress recovery and
the restoration of homeostasis. Recent findings, however, provide clear
evidence that this view is overly simplistic. Instead, a more complex
picture has emerged that suggests that there are brain region-and cell
type-specific effects of CRFR signalling that are influenced by the
individual's prior experience and that shape molecular, cellular and
ultimately behavioural responses to stressful challenges.
