Adrenocortical response following acute neurogenic stimuli is mediated by CRF-41.

The present study examined whether neurogenic stimuli activate the pituitary-adrenal axis via CRF-41. Adult male rats were exposed to photic, acoustic or sciatic nerve stimulation. At 4, 15, and 30 min following the onset of stress, animals were sacrificed, trunk blood collected and the median eminence removed. At 4 min following the stress onset, there was a significant decrease in CRF-41 content of the median eminence, which persisted for 30 min. Concomitant with the decrease in CRF-41 content, serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone levels increased. Thus, this study demonstrates that CRF-41 released from the median eminence plays a dynamic role in mediating the ACTH and corticosterone response to neurogenic stimuli.