Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF): mechanism to elevate mean arterial pressure and heart rate.

The efferent mechanisms by which central administration of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) elevates mean arterial pressure and heart rate were assessed in unanesthetized, unrestrained rats. CRF increased blood pressure and heart rate by stimulating noradrenergic sympathetic nervous outflow. CRF-induced cardiovascular changes were not dependent on anterior pituitary hormone release, adrenomedullary epinephrine secretion, the renin-angiotensin system or circulating vasopressin.