Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a newly sequenced neuropeptide
thought to be a principal stimulus to pituitary corticotropin (ACTH)
secretion. Evidence obtained from laboratory animals and primates is
reviewed which indicates that CRF not only stimulates the pituitary-
adrenal axis but also influences several aspects of CNS function which may
be of relevance to psychiatric illness. Clinically, experience in
administering ovine CRF to more than 150 individuals shows that CRF can be
helpful in resolving differential diagnostic dilemmas in patients with
various disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and in
furthering an understanding of the pathophysiology of conditions such as
Cushing's disease and depression.Abstract Teaser