01 /What it is
CRF (Corticotropin Releasing Factor, also called CRH) is a 41 amino acid hypothalamic peptide hormone first sequenced by Wylie Vale in 1981. It is the apical signal of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and is studied as a research compound at the CRF1 and CRF2 receptors.
02 /How it works
In research models, CRF released from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus binds CRF1 receptors on anterior pituitary corticotrophs and triggers adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release, which in turn drives cortisol release from the adrenal cortex. CRF is also studied outside the HPA axis in anxiety and behavior research.
03 /What researchers explore it for
Researchers have explored CRF in HPA axis research, in stress response research, and in anxiety circuitry research.
04 /Safety and interactions
CRF is for laboratory research use only and is not for human consumption. Not medical advice. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
05 /Research notes
Peptide family: corticotropin releasing factor family neuropeptides. Frequently compared with Vasopressin in HPA axis co activation research. The Apothify library lists CRF for encyclopedia coverage only.
Related peptides
Vasopressin · Oxytocin · DSIP
