Corticotropin releasing factor binding protein (CRF-BP) is expressed in neuronal and astrocytic cells

Corticotropin releasing factor and drug seeking in substance use disorders: Preclinical evidence and translational limitations

The neuropeptide, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), has been an enigmatic target for the development of medications aimed at treating stress-related disorders. Despite a large body of evidence from preclinical studies in rodents demonstrating that CRF receptor antagonists prevent stressor-induced drug seeking, medications targeting the CRF-R1 have failed in clinical trials. Here, we provide an overview of the abundant findings from preclinical rodent studies suggesting that CRF signaling is involved in stressor-induced relapse. The scientific literature that has defined the receptors, mechanisms and neurocircuits through which CRF contributes to stressor-induced reinstatement of drug seeking following self-administration and conditioned place preference in rodents is reviewed. Evidence that CRF signaling is recruited with repeated drug use in a manner that heightens susceptibility to stressor-induced drug seeking in rodents is presented. Factors that may determine the influence of CRF signaling in substance use disorders, including developmental windows, biological sex, and genetics are examined. Finally, we discuss the translational failure of medications targeting CRF signaling as interventions for substance use disorders and other stress-related conditions. We conclude that new perspectives and research directions are needed to unravel the mysterious role of CRF in substance use disorders.

Corticotropin Releasing Factor Binding Protein as a Novel Target to Restore Brain Homeostasis: Lessons Learned From Alcohol Use Disorder Research

Stress is well-known to contribute to the development of many psychiatric illnesses including alcohol and substance use disorder (AUD and SUD). The deleterious effects of stress have also been implicated in the acceleration of biological age, and age-related neurodegenerative disease. The physio-pathology of stress is regulated by the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system, the upstream component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Extensive literature has shown that dysregulation of the CRF neuroendocrine system contributes to escalation of alcohol consumption and, similarly, chronic alcohol consumption contributes to disruption of the stress system. The CRF system also represents the central switchboard for regulating homeostasis, and more recent studies have found that stress and aberrations in the CRF pathway are implicated in accelerated aging and age-related neurodegenerative disease. Corticotropin releasing factor binding protein (CRFBP) is a secreted glycoprotein distributed in peripheral tissues and in specific brain regions. It neutralizes the effects of CRF by sequestering free CRF, but may also possess excitatory function by interacting with CRF receptors. CRFBP’s dual role in influencing CRF bioavailability and CRF receptor signaling has been shown to have a major part in the HPA axis response. Therefore, CRFBP may represent a valuable target to treat stress-related illness, including: development of novel medications to treat AUD and restore homeostasis in the aging brain. This narrative review focuses on molecular mechanisms related to the role of CRFBP in the progression of addictive and psychiatric disorders, biological aging, and age-related neurodegenerative disease. We provide an overview of recent studies investigating modulation of this pathway as a potential therapeutic target for AUD and age-related neurodegenerative disease.

Immune-mediated febrile response in female rats: Role of central hypothalamic mediators

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces fever through cytokines like receptor-activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), triggering mediators like prostaglandins (PG), endothelin-1 (ET-1), corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), substance P (SP) and endogenous opioids. LPS-induced fever is reduced in females compared with males except in ovariectomized (OVX) females which show increased fever mediated by PG. The present study aimed to identify the mediators involved in fever in intact and OVX female rats. Fever was induced with LPS (50 μg/kg) intraperitoneally or CRF (2.5 μg), ET-1 (1 pg), morphine (10 μg) and SP (500 ng) intracerebroventricularly in sham-operated and OVX rats. The role of RANKL was evaluated with osteoprotegerin (OPG, 1 μg, intracerebroventricularly). Expression of RANK, CRFI/II, ETB, μ-opioid (MOR) and NK1 receptors was evaluated by confocal microscopy. Besides LPS, only morphine induced fever in OVX rats while all mediators induced fever in sham-operated animals. OPG abolished LPS-induced fever in OVX but not sham-operated animals. Overall, fever involves similar central mediators in cycling females and males but only morphine induced fever in OVX females. Importantly, RANK/RANKL participates in LPS-induced fever in OVX females, as in males but not in cycling females.

Increased protein and mRNA expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), decreased CRF receptors and CRF binding protein in specific postmortem brain areas of teenage suicide subjects

Overactivity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function has been implicated in depression and suicidal behavior. This is based on the observation of an abnormal dexamethasone (DEX) and DEX-adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) test in patients with depression and suicidal behavior. Recently, some studies have also found abnormalities of glucocorticoid receptors (GR), mineralocorticoid receptors (MR), corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), CRF receptors (CRF-R) and CRF binding protein (CRF-BP) in depressed and suicidal patients. Some investigators have also observed increased levels of CRF in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and altered levels of MR, GR and CRF in the postmortem brain of depressed and suicidal subjects. We have earlier reported decreased protein and mRNA expression of GR and GILZ, a chaperone protein, in the postmortem brain of teenage suicide subjects. We have further studied CRF and its receptors in different areas of the postmortem brain of suicide subjects, i.e., the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HIPPO), subiculum and amygdala (AMY) from teenage suicide subjects. The CRF and its receptors were determined in the PFC (Brodmann area 9), HIPPO, subiculum and different amygdaloid nuclei from 24 normal control subjects and 24 teenage suicide subjects. Protein expression of CRF, its receptors and CRF-BP was determined by immunolabeling using the Western blot technique and mRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR (qPCR) technique. We found that the mRNA levels of CRF were significantly increased in the PFC, in the central amygdaloid nucleus (CeAMY) and in the subiculum. mRNA levels of CRF-R1 and CRF-BP were significantly decreased in the PFC. We did not find any changes in the HIPPO of any of the CRF components we studied. When we compared the protein expression of CRF components we found that CRF was significantly increased and CRF-R1, CRF-R2 and CRF-BP significantly decreased in the PFC. On the other hand, there were no changes in the protein expression of CRF components in the HIPPO. Our results in the postmortem brain suggest that, as found by clinical studies in the CSF, there are significant alterations of CRF and its receptors in the postmortem brain of teenage suicide subjects. These alterations of CRF and its components were region-specific, as changes were not generally observed in the HIPPO.

The corticotropin releasing factor binding protein: A strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in the stress system?

The corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) exerts its effects by acting on its receptors and on the binding protein (CRFBP). Extensive literature suggests a role of CRF in alcohol use disorder (AUD). Less is known about the specific role, if any, of CRFBP in AUD. In this review, we summarize recent interdisciplinary efforts toward identifying the contribution of CRFBP in mediating CRF activation. The role of CRFBP in alcohol-related behaviors has been evaluated with the ultimate goal of designing effective novel therapeutic strategies for AUD. A series of in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and genetic studies presented here provides initial evidence that CRFBP may possess both inhibitory and excitatory roles, and supports the original hypothesis that it represents a novel pharmacological target for the treatment of AUD. This report summarizes the proceedings of one of the talks at the Young Investigator Award symposium at the Alcoholism and Stress: A Framework for Future Treatment Strategies Conference, Volterra, Italy.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone-binding protein and stress: from invertebrates to humans

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a key regulator of the stress response. This peptide controls the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis as well as a variety of behavioral and autonomic stress responses via the two CRH receptors, CRH-R1 and CRH-R2. The CRH system also includes an evolutionarily conserved CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP), a secreted glycoprotein that binds CRH with subnanomolar affinity to modulate CRH receptor activity. In this review, we discuss the current literature on CRH-BP and stress across multiple species, from insects to humans. We describe the regulation of CRH-BP in response to stress, as well as genetic mouse models that have been utilized to elucidate the in vivo role(s) of CRH-BP in modulating the stress response. Finally, the role of CRH-BP in the human stress response is examined, including single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human CRHBP gene that are associated with stress-related affective disorders and addiction. Lay summary The stress response is controlled by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), acting via CRH receptors. However, the CRH system also includes a unique CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP) that binds CRH with an affinity greater than the CRH receptors. In this review, we discuss the role of this highly conserved CRH-BP in regulation of the CRH-mediated stress response from invertebrates to humans.

Evidence for the role of corticotropin-releasing factor in major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a devastating disease affecting over 300 million people worldwide, and costing an estimated 380 billion Euros in lost productivity and health care in the European Union alone. Although a wealth of research has been directed toward understanding and treating MDD, still no therapy has proved to be consistently and reliably effective in interrupting the symptoms of this disease. Recent clinical and preclinical studies, using genetic screening and transgenic rodents, respectively, suggest a major role of the CRF1 gene, and the central expression of CRF1 receptor protein in determining an individual's risk of developing MDD. This gene is widely expressed in brain tissue, and regulates an organism's immediate and long-term responses to social and environmental stressors, which are primary contributors to MDD. This review presents the current state of knowledge on CRF physiology, and how it may influence the occurrence of symptoms associated with MDD. Additionally, this review presents findings from multiple laboratories that were presented as part of a symposium on this topic at the annual 2014 meeting of the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society (IBNS). The ideas and data presented in this review demonstrate the great progress that has been made over the past few decades in our understanding of MDD, and provide a pathway forward toward developing novel treatments and detection methods for this disorder.

Pituitary CRH-binding protein and stress in female mice

The CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP) binds CRH with very high affinity and inhibits CRH-mediated ACTH release from anterior pituitary cells in vitro, suggesting that the CRH-BP functions as a negative regulator of CRH activity. Our previous studies have demonstrated sexually dimorphic expression of CRH-BP in the murine pituitary. Basal CRH-BP expression is higher in the female pituitary, where CRH-BP mRNA is detected in multiple anterior pituitary cell types. In this study, we examined stress-induced changes in CRH-BP mRNA and protein expression in mouse pituitary and assessed the in vivo role of CRH-BP in modulating the stress response. Pituitary CRH-BP mRNA was greater than 200-fold more abundant in females than males, and restraint stress increased pituitary CRH-BP mRNA by 11.8-fold in females and 3.2-fold in males as assessed by qRT-PCR. In females, restraint stress increased CRH-BP mRNA levels not only in POMC-expressing cells, but also in PRL-expressing cells. The increase in female pituitary CRH-BP mRNA following stress resulted in significant increases in CRH-BP protein 4-6h after a 30-minute restraint stress as detected by [(125)I]-CRH:CRH-BP cross-linking analyses. Based on this temporal profile, the physiological role of CRH-BP was assessed using a stressor of longer duration. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stress studies, female CRH-BP-deficient mice showed elevated levels of stress-induced corticosterone release as compared to wild-type littermates. These studies demonstrate a role for the pituitary CRH-BP in attenuating the HPA response to stress in female mice.

Evidence for TNFα action on excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the central amygdala: a brain site influenced by stress

Anxiety-like responses to stress are accompanied by elevation of brain cytokine-mRNAs. Because cytokines microinjected into central-amygdala (CeA) substitute for stress in a behavioral paradigm, the possibility was raised that cytokines increased by stress influence behavior by affecting CeA-neural activity. Previously, cytokines increased firing-rate of CeA-neurons comparable to that induced by corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). In this investigation, tumor-necrosis-factor-α (TNFα) increased amplitude, but not frequency of mEPSCs from CeA-neurons. Additionally, TNFα decreased the threshold for triggering action potentials from CeA-neurons without altering membrane-properties during current-clamp recording. Glutamate-receptor-antagonist blockade of mEPSCs and the TNFα-induced reduction in firing threshold implicated glutamate in these changes. A phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase-antagonist prevented the TNFα-induced increased in amplitude of mEPSCs, documenting a TNFα intracellular influence. Additionally, TNFα increased frequency, but not amplitude of mIPSCs. CRF-receptor-antagonists were found to prevent the TNFα-induced increase in mIPSC-frequency, without altering the TNFα-induced amplitude increase in mEPSCs or the reduced threshold for action-potentials by TNFα. To clarify how TNFα was increasing CRF-release in the presence of tetrodotoxin, the possibility tested was whether preventing glial-activation would prevent this elevated mIPSC-frequency blocked by CRF-receptor antagonists. Minocycline, which blocks glial activation, prevented the TNFα-induced increase in mIPSC-frequency - a finding consistent with glia contributing to the CRF-involvement in this TNFα action. To fully understand the means by which a CRF1-receptor-antagonist and minocycline prevent TNFα from increasing mIPSC-frequency will require further clarification. Nonetheless, these data provide convincing evidence that release of TNFα by stress could alter neural activity of CeA-neurons by influencing GABA-and glutamate function.

Stress and addiction: contribution of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system in neuroplasticity

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) has been shown to induce various behavioral changes related to adaptation to stress. Dysregulation of the CRF system at any point can lead to a variety of psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders (SUDs). CRF has been associated with stress-induced drug reinforcement. Extensive literature has identified CRF to play an important role in the molecular mechanisms that lead to an increase in susceptibility that precipitates relapse to SUDs. The CRF system has a heterogeneous role in SUDs. It enhances the acute effects of drugs of abuse and is also responsible for the potentiation of drug-induced neuroplasticity evoked during the withdrawal period. We present in this review the brain regions and circuitries where CRF is expressed and may participate in stress-induced drug abuse. Finally, we attempt to evaluate the role of modulating the CRF system as a possible therapeutic strategy for treating the dysregulation of emotional behaviors that result from the acute positive reinforcement of substances of abuse as well as the negative reinforcement produced by withdrawal.

Corticotropin-releasing factor binding protein enters the regulated secretory pathway in neuroendocrine cells and cortical neurons

Corticotropin releasing factor binding protein (CRF-BP) is a 37kDa glycoprotein that binds CRF with high affinity. CRF-BP controls CRF levels within plasma during human pregnancy. It has also been shown that CRF-BP is expressed in various brain nuclei. Main actions that have been proposed for brain CRF-BP are either decreasing available CRF or facilitating CRF ligand-induced activation of CRF-R2 receptors. For both actions, it is necessary the release of CRF-BP from CRF-BP expressing neurons. However, the secretion mode of CRF-BP is currently unknown. We used heterologous expression of CRF-BP-Flag in PC12 cells and in primary culture of rat cortical neurons to study CRF-BP secretion mode. We observed that CRF-BP-Flag immunoreactivity presents the typical cytoplasmatic punctuate pattern that has been described for neuropeptides and proteins that enter the regulated secretory pathway in PC12 cells. Quantitative analysis of double immunofluorescence confocal images showed that CRF-BP-Flag colocalizes with secretogranin II, marker of secretory granules, both in PC12 and in primary-cultured rat neurons. Furthermore, CRF-BP-Flag is released from PC12 cells upon high K(+)-depolarization. Thus, our results show that CRF-BP is efficiently sorted to the regulated secretory pathway in two cellular contexts, suggesting that the extracellular levels of CRF-BP in the central nervous system depends on neuronal activity.

Effects of citalopram on serotonin and CRF systems in the midbrain of primates with differences in stress sensitivity

This chapter reviews the neurobiological effects of stress sensitivity and s-citalpram (CIT) treatment observed in our nonhuman primate model of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA). This type of infertility, also known as stress-induced amenorrhea, is exhibited by cynomolgus macaques. In small populations, some individuals are stress-sensitive (SS) and others are highly stress-resilient (HSR). The SS macaques have suboptimal secretion of estrogen and progesterone during normal menstrual cycles. SS monkeys also have decreased serotonin gene expression and increased CRF expression compared to HSR monkeys. Recently, we found that CIT treatment improved ovarian steroid secretion in SS monkeys, but had no effect in HSR monkeys. Examination of the serotonin system revealed that SS monkeys had significantly lower Fev (fifth Ewing variant, rodent Pet1), TPH2 (tryptophan hydroxylase 2), 5HT1A autoreceptor and SERT (serotonin reuptake transporter) expression in the dorsal raphe than SR monkeys. However, CIT did not alter the expression of either Fev, TPH2, SERT or 5HT1A mRNAs. In contrast, SS monkeys tended to have a higher density of CRF fiber innervation of the dorsal raphe than HSR monkeys, and CIT significantly decreased the CRF fiber density in SS animals. In addition, CIT increased CRF-R2 gene expression in the dorsal raphe. We speculate that in a 15-week time frame, the therapeutic effect of S-citalopram may be achieved through a mechanism involving extracellular serotonin inhibition of CRF and stimulation of CRF-R2, rather than alteration of serotonin-related gene expression.

Ovarian steroid regulation of the midbrain corticotropin releasing factor and urocortin systems in macaques

A significant number of postmenopausal women report increased anxiety and vulnerability to stress, which has been linked to decreased secretion of ovarian steroids. Communication between the serotonin system and the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system determines stress sensitivity or resilience. This study examines the effects of the ovarian steroids, estradiol (E) and progesterone (P) on the CRF system components that impact serotonin neurons in the midbrain of nonhuman primates. Ovariectomized rhesus macaques were treated with placebo, E alone for 1 month, or E supplemented with P for the last 2 weeks. Quantitative (q)RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry were employed. E±P treatment decreased CRF-R1 and increased CRF-R2 gene expression in hemi-midbrain blocks and in laser captured serotonin neurons. Also in hemi-midbrains, E treatment increased urocortin 1 (UCN1) and CRFBP gene expression, but supplemental P treatment reversed these effects. E±P decreased CRF fiber density in the dorsal, interfascicular and median raphe nuclei and decreased CRF-R1 immunostaining in the dorsal raphe. E increased CRF-R2 immunostaining in the dorsal and median raphe. E±P increased UCN1 immunostaining in the cell bodies and increased UCN1 fiber density in the caudal linear nucleus. Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), but not ERα was detected in the nucleus of UCN1-positive neurons. While the mechanism of ovarian hormone regulation of the midbrain CRF system requires further investigation, these studies clearly demonstrate another pathway by which ovarian hormones may have positive effects on anxiety and mood regulation.

Icariin attenuates chronic mild stress-induced dysregulation of the LHPA stress circuit in rats

Chronic mild stress (CMS) is suggested to develop dysregulation of the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (LHPA) stress circuit. Icariin, a major constituent of flavonoids isolated from Epimedium brevicornum, has been previously confirmed to rescue the HPA axis abnormalities in animal models of depression. However, antidepressant treatment of icariin on corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system within the LHPA stress circuit and its interaction with serotonergic receptor are still seldom studied in CMS model of animals. The present study further investigated the effects of CMS procedure and subsequent icariin treatment on mRNA and protein levels of CRF, CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) and CRF binding protein (CRFBP), as well as sucrose intake in rats. Moreover, the levels of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB), glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor (5-HTR1A) in hypothalamus, hippocampus and frontal cortex were simultaneously evaluated for their participations in CRF system in this model. We found that CMS procedure significantly increased CRF expression levels in the brain regions, and decreased GR and 5-HTR1A in hippocampus and frontal cortex, with sucrose intake reduction representing the hedonic deficit in rats. Icariin restored these alterations in CMS rats. These results confirmed the hypothesis that icariin exerted antidepressant-like effect via its regulation of central CRF system. And hippocampus was suggested as an important neural area controlling the LHPA stress circuit in icariin-treated CMS rats. These findings for the first time proved that the potential molecular mechanism of antidepressant action of icariin was targeted on the interaction of the LHPA stress circuit and serotonergic function in CMS rats.

Distribution and regional stressor-induced regulation of corticotrophin-releasing factor binding protein in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) system plays a key role in the co-ordination of the physiological response to stress in vertebrates. Although the binding protein (BP) for CRF-related peptides, CRF-BP, is an important player in the many functions of the CRF system, the distribution of CRF-BP and the impact of stressors on its expression in fish are poorly understood. In the present study, we describe the distribution of CRF-BP in the brain and peripheral tissues of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using a combination of real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry. Our results indicate a widespread and highly localised distribution of CRF-BP in the central nervous system, but do not support a significant peripheral production of the protein. Major expression sites in the brain include the area ventralis telencephali, nucleus preopticus, anterior and lateral tuberal nuclei, and the posterior region of the pituitary pars distalis. We further characterise changes in CRF-BP gene expression in three discrete brain regions after exposure to 8 h and 24 h of social stress or hypoxia. The plasma cortisol concentration in subordinate fish was much higher than in dominant fish and controls, and was indicative of a relatively severe stressor. By contrast, the increase in plasma cortisol concentration in fish exposed to hypoxia was characteristic of the response to a mild stressor. Changes in CRF-BP gene expression were only observed after 24 h of either stressor, and were region-specific. CRF-BP mRNA in the telencephalon increased in both subordinate fish and fish exposed to hypoxia, but CRF-BP in the preoptic area only increased after 24 h of hypoxia exposure. In the hypothalamus, CRF-BP mRNA levels decreased in dominant fish relative to controls after 24 h. Taken together, our results support a diverse role for CRF-BP in the central actions of the fish CRF system, but a negligible role in the peripheral functions of circulating CRF-related peptides. Furthermore, the differential changes in forebrain CRF-BP mRNA appear to occur independently of the hypothalamic-pituitary-inter-renal axis.

Localization of corticotropin-releasing factor, urotensin I, and CRF-binding protein gene expression in the brain of the zebrafish,Danio rerio

Our current understanding of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system distribution in the teleost brain is restricted by limited immunohistochemical studies and a lack of complete transcriptional distribution maps. The present study used in situ hybridization to localize and compare CRF, urotensin I (UI), and CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP) expression in the brain of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). All three peptides were localized in the preoptic area, periventricular hypothalamic and tectal regions, and dorsal part of the trigeminal motor nucleus. CRF and UI were both expressed in several nuclei of the dorsal telencephalon, whereas CRF and CRF-BP were both expressed in the ventral nucleus of the ventral telencephalon. Sole expression of CRF and CRF-BP was apparent in the olfactory bulbs and superior raphe nucleus, respectively, whereas only UI was observed in the corpus mamillare, nucleus of the medial longitudinal fascicle, dorsal tegmental nucleus, nucleus lateralis valvulae, and nucleus interpeduncularis. A major finding of this study was the general regional overlapping of CRF-BP with its ligands and a tendency to be expressed in tandem with CRF rather than UI. Overall, the mRNA expression patterns outlined in this study support the stress-related neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral functions generally ascribed to the vertebrate CRF system and suggest some unique functional roles for CRF and UI in the teleost brain.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) positively regulates corticotropin-releasing hormone-binding protein expression via multiple intracellular signaling pathways and a multipartite GnRH response element in alphaT3-1 cells

CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP) binds CRH with high affinity and inhibits CRH-mediated ACTH release from anterior pituitary corticotrope-like cells in vitro. In female mouse pituitary, CRH-BP is localized not only in corticotropes, but is also expressed in gonadotropes and lactotropes. To investigate the functional significance of gonadotrope CRH-BP, we examined the molecular mechanisms underlying GnRH-regulated CRH-BP expression in alphaT3-1 gonadotrope-like cells. CRH-BP is endogenously expressed in alphaT3-1 cells, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR and ribonuclease protection assays demonstrate that GnRH induces a 3.7-fold increase in CRH-BP mRNA levels. GnRH also induces intracellular CRH-BP (2.0-fold) and secreted CRH-BP (5.3-fold) levels, as measured by [125I]CRH:CRH-BP chemical cross-linking. Transient transfection assays using CRH-BP promoter-luciferase constructs indicate that GnRH regulation involves protein kinase C-, ERK- and calcium-dependent signaling pathways and is mediated via a multipartite GnRH response element that includes activator protein 1 and cAMP response element (CRE) sites. The CRE site significantly contributes to GnRH responsiveness, independent of protein kinase A, representing a unique form of multipartite GnRH regulation in alphaT3-1 cells. Furthermore, EMSAs indicate that alphaT3-1 nuclear proteins specifically bind at activator protein 1 and CRE sites. These data demonstrate novel regulation of pituitary CRH-BP, highlighting the importance of the pituitary gonadotrope as a potential interface between the stress and reproductive axes.

Systemic adrenocorticotropic hormone administration down-regulates the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and CRH-binding protein in infant rat hippocampus

Systemic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration is a first-line therapy for the treatment of infantile spasms, an age-specific seizure disorder of infancy. It is proposed that exogenous ACTH acts via negative feedback to suppress the synthesis of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), a possible endogenous convulsant in infant brain tissue. The aim of this study was to determine whether systemic ACTH treatment in infant rats down-regulates the hippocampal CRH system, including CRH, CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP), and CRH receptors (CRH-R1 and CRH-R2). Daily i.p. injection of ACTH for 7 consecutive days (postnatal days 3-9) elevated serum corticosterone levels 20-fold measured on postnatal day 10, indicating systemic absorption and circulation of the ACTH. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR demonstrated that both CRH and CRH-BP mRNA obtained from the hippocampi of ACTH-injected infant rats was significantly depressed relative to saline-injected animals. Comparable reductions in both CRH and CRH-BP synthesis were further demonstrated with radioimmunoassay. In contrast, neither CRH-R1 nor CRH-R2 mRNA was altered by ACTH treatment, relative to saline-injected rats. This latter finding was confirmed electrophysiologically by measuring the enhancement of hippocampal population spikes by exogenous CRH, also showing no differences between ACTH- and saline-injected rats. The results of this study support the proposal that systemic ACTH treatment down-regulates CRH expression in infant brain, perhaps contributing to the therapeutic efficacy observed during treatment of infantile spasms.

Interleukin-10 and nerve growth factor have reciprocal upregulatory effects on intestinal epithelial cells

The intestinal mucosa is in a constant state of controlled inflammation, but the processes whereby this occurs are poorly understood. The aims of this study were to look at the role of IL-10 and nerve growth factor (NGF) in intestinal epithelial cell regulation. The human colon epithelial cell lines T84, HT-29, and CACO-2 were used. RT-PCR, flow cytometry analysis, and immunohistochemistry were applied to measure the cytokine changes in epithelial cells induced by recombinant cholera toxin and its B subunit, IL-10, and NGF. Cholera toxin B subunit caused selective dose-dependent increased mRNA for IL-10 in T84 cells and the protein in T84, HT-29, and CACO-2 cells. IL-10 dose dependently selectively increased NGF mRNA in T84 cells and intracellular protein synthesis in all three epithelial cell lines. The effect of NGF was reciprocal, selective, and dose dependent because it increased mRNA for IL-10 and IL-10 synthesis. Our results suggest that the epithelium may actively participate in downregulation through innate mechanisms involving IL-10 and NGF. The reciprocal interaction suggests for the first time that NGF may be involved in local downregulation by mucosal epithelium and thus may play a potent protective role in response to injury, by prevention of undue inflammation.

Elevated corticotropin releasing hormone/corticotropin releasing hormone-R1 expression in postmortem brain obtained from children with generalized epilepsy

The corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) system has been suggested to initiate seizure activity in the developing brain. However, human data to support this theory is lacking. In this study, we have demonstrated that the expression of CRH, CRH-binding protein, and CRH-R1 (a CRH membrane receptor) were significantly elevated in cortical tissue obtained from 6 children with generalized epilepsy (mean age 8.2+/-1.5 years) relative to age-matched controls (mean age 7.8+/-1.4 years). In contrast, no significant difference in the expression of CRH-R2 was observed. The advent of CRH-R1 receptor antagonists may prove useful as novel anticonvulsants.

Mouse models of altered CRH-binding protein expression

CRH is the key physiological mediator of the endocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses to stress. The recent characterization of urocortin, a new mammalian CRH-like ligand, adds to the complexity of the CRH system. Both CRH and urocortin mediate their endocrine and/or synaptic effects via two classes of CRH receptors. Similarly, both CRH and urocortin bind to the CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP). This secreted binding protein is smaller than the CRH receptors, but binds CRH and urocortin with an affinity equal to or greater than that of the receptors, and blocks CRH-mediated ACTH release in vitro. Several regions of CRH-BP expression colocalize with sites of CRH synthesis or release, suggesting that this binding protein may have a profound impact on the biological activity of CRH (or urocortin). While in vitro and in vivo studies have characterized the biochemical properties and regulation of the CRH-BP, animal models of altered CRH-BP expression can provide additional information on the in vivo role of this important modulatory protein. This review focuses on three mouse models of CRH-BP overexpression or deficiency. These animal models show numerous physiological changes in the HPA axis and in energy balance, with additional alterations in anxiogenic behavior. These changes are consistent with the hypothesis that CRH-BP plays an important in vivo modulatory role by regulating levels of "free" CRH and other CRH-like peptides in the pituitary and central nervous system.

Pharmacological characterization of recombinant rat corticotropin releasing factor binding protein using different sauvagine analogs

Little is known on the structural ligand requirements for corticotropin-releasing factor binding protein (CRFBP) of the rat used as an important experimental animal. To obtain such information recombinant rat CRFBP was produced in stably transfected HEK 293 cells. The primary structure and posttranslational processing of purified rat CRFBP was established by peptide mapping using HPLC combined with mass spectrometric analysis. Rat CRFBP was pharmacologically characterized employing a competition binding assay with tritium-labeled rat urocortin. The rank order of declining affinity of various CRF analogs was urotensin-I, human/rat CRF (h/rCRF), rat urocortin, sauvagine (Svg), and ovine CRF in agreement with the rank order found for human CRFBP. In contrast to astressin, the CRF receptor 2-selective antagonist anti-sauvagine-30 did not show any detectable specific binding to rat CRFBP. The significance of residues 10 to 12 and 21 to 24 of Svg for its low affinity binding was established by changing these residues of Svg to those of h/rCRF. The corresponding residues 22 to 25 of h/rCRF represented the ARAE motif determined to be crucial for binding in agreement with reported data on human CRFBP. Residues 11 to 13 of CRF introduced into Svg also enhanced the affinity to rat CRFBP.

Transcriptional regulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone-binding protein gene expression in astrocyte cultures

The molecular mechanisms involved in regulation of CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP) gene expression were examined using primary rat astrocyte cultures. The cells were treated with various regulators, and CRH-BP messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were determined using ribonuclease protection assays. Forskolin (Fsk, 10 microM) or 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA, 100 nM) increases CRH-BP mRNA levels up to 30 times control level, and together they act synergistically to increase CRH-BP gene expression up to 100 times control levels. CRH can also positively regulate CRH-BP gene expression to 6.1 times control levels. All of these increases in steady-state CRH-BP mRNA levels can be repressed by dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid. To determine whether these changes in steady-state CRH-BP mRNA levels are caused by altered transcription or RNA stability, heteronuclear (hn) CRH-BP species were examined using ribonuclease protection assays. CRH-BP hnRNA transcripts can be detected transiently after the addition of Fsk or TPA, and dexamethasone can repress Fsk- or TPA-induced CRH-BP hnRNA levels in this assay. These results demonstrate that CRH, glucocorticoids, and the protein kinase A and protein kinase C signaling pathways are involved in regulation of CRH-BP gene expression in astrocyte cultures, and that this regulation is caused, at least in part, by altered transcription of the gene.

The rationale for corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor (CRH-R) antagonists to treat depression and anxiety

Neuroendocrine studies strongly suggest that dysregulation of the hypothalamic pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system plays a causal role in the development and course of depression. Whereas the initial mechanism resulting in HPA hyperdrive remains to be elucidated, evidence has emerged that corticosteroid receptor function is impaired in many patients with depression and in many healthy individuals at increased genetic risk for an depressive disorder. Assuming such impaired receptor function, then central secretion of CRH would be enhanced in many brain areas, which would account for a variety of depressive symptoms. As shown in rats and also in transgenic mice with impaired glucocorticoid receptor function, antidepressants enhance the signaling through corticosteroid receptors. This mechanism of action can be amplified through blocking central mechanisms that drive the HPA system. Animal experiments using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed against the mRNA of both CRH receptor subtypes identified the CRH1 receptor as the mediator of the anxiogenic effects of CRH. Studies in mouse mutants in which this receptor subtype had been deleted extended these findings as the animals were less anxious than wild-type mice when experimentally stressed. Thus, patients with clinical conditions that are causally related to HPA hyperactivity may profit from treatment with a CRH1 receptor antagonist.

Animal models of CRH deficiency

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), the major regulator of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, was first isolated due to its ability to stimulate the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone from the anterior pituitary. Later, it was also found to have also a wide spectrum of actions within the central nervous system and the periphery. Studies with pharmacological administration of this peptide and/or antagonists and antibody neutralization techniques have yielded important information concerning the physiological relevance of CRH. The development of CRH knockout mice (CRH KO) has been an important tool for addressing the physiologic and pathologic roles of CRH. This review describes the phenotype of CRH-deficient mice, as well as the use of this model to study the roles of CRH on fetal development and postnatal life. The role of CRH in prenatal development and postnatal regulation of the HPA axis, in activation of the reproductive system during stress, and in modulation of the immune function will be discussed. The review concludes with a comparison of CRH KO mice with other models of CRH deficiency.

Coordinate and divergent regulation of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and CRF-binding protein expression in an immortalized amygdalar neuronal cell line

CRF is a 41-amino acid neuropeptide best known for its hypophysiotropic actions. CRF is widely distributed in the central nervous system in areas beyond the hypothalamus. CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP) regulates the bioavailability of CRF, and knowledge of the regulation of CRF-BP synthesis is an integral component of understanding the actions of CRF. To better study the regulation of CRF and CRF-BP, primary amygdalar cultures were immortalized by transfection with the SV 40 large T antigen. A clonal line that expresses CRF immunoreactivity and messenger RNA was selected. The production of CRF peptide and message by this line is regulated in a manner indistinguishable from primary cultures. We also observed that the immortalized cells express CRF-BP immunoreactivity and messenger RNA. The expression of both CRF and CRF-BP is positively regulated by forskolin and interleukin-6. Unlike CRF, the expression of CRF-BP message and peptide was increased by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or dexamethasone. These results demonstrate that the synthesis of CRF and CRF-BP in this clonal cell line may be regulated in parallel by some agents but not by others. These data also suggest that dexamethasone may decrease the biological availability of CRF in the amygdala by increasing the expression of CRF-BP, rather than by decreasing CRF expression.

Regulation of pituitary corticotropin-releasing hormone-binding protein messenger ribonucleic acid levels by restraint stress and adrenalectomy

CRH is the primary hypothalamic regulator of the stress response in higher organisms, where it acts as the key mediator of ACTH release in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. The 37-kDa CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP) is known to bind CRH and antagonize CRH-induced ACTH release in vitro. The expression of this protein in anterior pituitary corticotrophs suggests a role for CRH-BP in modulation of the stress response. To investigate the in vivo role of rat CRH-BP, the regulation of pituitary CRH-BP gene expression by acute restraint stress and/or adrenalectomy was examined using ribonuclease protection assays. After restraint stress, steady-state levels of CRH-BP transcripts increase two to three times over basal level and remain significantly higher than basal levels for 120 min after the start of restraint. Adrenalectomy decreases CRH-BP messenger RNA steady-state levels to 8% of control levels. These results demonstrate that pituitary CRH-BP messenger RNA levels are increased in response to acute restraint stress and that glucocorticoids play a significant role in this positive regulation. These data also suggest that increased CRH-BP levels, in response to stress, may modulate the endocrine stress response by providing an additional feedback mechanism to maintain homeostasis of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Physiological and neurochemical aspects of corticotropin-releasing factor actions in the brain: the role of the locus coeruleus

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is both a major regulator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the activity of the autonomic nervous system. Besides, it exerts numerous effects on other physiological functions such as appetite control, motor and cognitive behavior and immune function. The basis for these effects is constituted by its distribution in hypothalamic and extra-hypothalamic brain areas, the latter being represented by limbic structures such as the central nucleus of the amygdala or by brain stem neurons such as the locus coeruleus (LC) or nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). The effects of CRF are mediated through recently described CRF-receptor subtypes, whose molecular biology, biochemistry and pharmacological regulation are discussed in detail. In the second part of this review, we will focus on the physiology of CRF-systems in the brain, with a particular emphasis on cardiovascular regulation, respiration, appetite control and stress-related behavior. Finally, the role of the locus coeruleus in the control of CRF-mediated behavioral activities is discussed. The interaction of noradrenergic and CRF-neurons clearly implies that CRF appears to directly activate LC neurons in a stressful situation, thus ultimately coordinating the bodily response to a stressful stimulus.

Ectopic expression of the CRF-binding protein: minor impact on HPA axis regulation but induction of sexually dimorphic weight gain

Corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin possess a high-affinity binding protein. Although the CRF binding protein (BP) can sequester these ligands and inhibit their activity, the endogenous activity of this protein is not understood. Therefore, transgenic mouse lines that over-express the CRF-BP were created. The transgene was constructed by ligating rat CRF-BP cDNA (1.1 kb) between a mouse metallothionein-I promoter (1.8 kb) and a nonfunctional human growth hormone gene sequence (2.1 kb) in a modified pBR322 plasmid and microinjecting the transgene into C57BL/6 x SJL hybrid ova. The transgene was expressed in 50% in both male and female progeny. All transgenic lines were maintained by crossing transgenic animals with wild-type C57BL/6 mates. Reverse-transcriptase (RT) PCR of the CRF-BP transgene showed that it is widely expressed not only in the brain and pituitary, but also peripheral tissues including the liver, kidney and spleen. Transgenic animals of both sexes showed significant increases in weight gain as established by analysis of variance; however, the weight gain profiles for each sex were distinct. High levels of circulating CRF-BP were detected in the transgenic animals, but the basal ACTH and corticosterone levels were not significantly decreased compared to wild-type littermates. The hypothalamopituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis was stimulated by systemic inflammation induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). An expected increase in transgene expression was observed and was accompanied by a significant attenuation of ACTH secretion at 3 h after LPS injection in the transgenic males but not the females. These data suggest that HPA axis regulation is significantly affected only with very high circulating levels of CRF-BP. Moreover, this work supports previous studies that implicate CRF and urocortin in the regulation of appetite and the binding protein expression may play a sexually dimorphic role in regulating this and other responses.

Principles of psychoneuroendocrinology

The goal of this article is to describe some of the central nervous system circuits involved in the regulation of the hypothalamopituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, with an emphasis on animal models believed to mimic the human experience of emotional stress. First, the basic constitutive elements of the HPA axis that control glucocorticoid secretion are reviewed. A description of the neural systems assumed to regulate the activity of the HPA axis, both anatomically and functionally, follows. It is argued that hypothalamic, septal and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis neurons are involved in the regulation of the HPA axis by situations eliciting emotional responses.

The corticotrophin-releasing factor-binding protein: an act of several parts

Previously the function of hormone binding proteins has been viewed entirely as one of either sequestering ligand activity or of delivering ligand to target tissues. However, some binding proteins have the ability when complexed with ligand to interact directly with target tissues and can undergo considerable post-translational and post-secretional modifications that serve to modify their action. We propose that for the corticotrophin-releasing factor-binding protein (CRF-BP), this adds a further level at which hormonal action may be regulated. This contrasts with previous concepts of a passive role and shows them as important regulators of hormonal action in their own right.