Functional, endogenously expressed corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 (CRF1) and CRF1 receptor mRNA expression in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

Human corticotrophin releasing factor inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis through upregulation of tumor protein p53 in human glioma

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its receptors have been detected in numerous tumors and have an important role in tumorigenesis and proliferation. However, the role of these peptides has not been established in human glioma and malignant glioma cell lines. The present study evaluated for the first time, the expression of CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) in 35 human glioma samples, 13 normal brain tissues and human U87 glioma cells using immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis. Levels of CRFR1 were identified to be significantly increased in human glioma and U87 cells and higher levels of CRFR1 were observed in glioma tissues of higher grade. The biological functions of human CRF (hCRF) on U87 cells glioma cells were investigated by cell counting, a bromodeoxyuridine assay and flow cytometry. The U87 cells under hCRF treatment exhibited reduced proliferation, increased apoptosis and a cell cycle arrest in S and G2/M phase. The tumor protein p53 (p53) gene may participate in the activation of hCRF via CRFR1 in U87 cells, therefore p53 mRNA and protein were evaluated using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. Finally, the present results suggest that hCRF inhibits proliferation and induces cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in U87 cells via the CRFR1-mediated p53 signaling pathway. Therefore, the present study also suggests that hCRF may be used therapeutically, and CRFR1 may be a putative therapeutic target for human glioma.

The stress response neuropeptide CRF increases amyloid-β production by regulating γ-secretase activity

The biological underpinnings linking stress to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk are poorly understood. We investigated how corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF), a critical stress response mediator, influences amyloid-β (Aβ) production. In cells, CRF treatment increases Aβ production and triggers CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) and γ-secretase internalization. Co-immunoprecipitation studies establish that γ-secretase associates with CRFR1; this is mediated by β-arrestin binding motifs. Additionally, CRFR1 and γ-secretase co-localize in lipid raft fractions, with increased γ-secretase accumulation upon CRF treatment. CRF treatment also increases γ-secretase activity in vitro, revealing a second, receptor-independent mechanism of action. CRF is the first endogenous neuropeptide that can be shown to directly modulate γ-secretase activity. Unexpectedly, CRFR1 antagonists also increased Aβ. These data collectively link CRF to increased Aβ through γ-secretase and provide mechanistic insight into how stress may increase AD risk. They also suggest that direct targeting of CRF might be necessary to effectively modulate this pathway for therapeutic benefit in AD, as CRFR1 antagonists increase Aβ and in some cases preferentially increase Aβ42 via complex effects on γ-secretase.

Comparison of corticotropin-releasing factor, dexamethasone, and temozolomide: treatment efficacy and toxicity in U87 and C6 intracranial gliomas

PURPOSE/EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Treatment of cerebral tumors and peritumoral brain edema remains a clinical challenge and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Dexamethasone is an effective drug for treating brain edema, but it is associated with well-documented side effects. Corticorelin acetate (Xerecept) or human corticotrophin-releasing factor (hCRF) is a comparatively new drug and has been evaluated in two orthotopic glioma models (U87 and C6), by a direct comparison with dexamethasone and temozolomide.

RESULTS

In vitro combination therapy and monotherapy showed a variable response in 6 different glioma cell lines. In vivo studies showed a dose-dependent effect of hCRF (0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg q12h) on survival of U87 intracranial xenograft-bearing animals [median survival: control--41 days (95% CI 25-61); "low-hCRF" 74.5 days (95% CI 41-88); "high-hCRF" >130 days (95% CI not reached)]. Dexamethasone treatment had no effect on survival, but significant toxicity was observed. A survival benefit was observed with temozolomide and temozolomide + hCRF-treated animals but with significant temozolomide toxicity. C6-bearing animals showed no survival benefit, but there were similar treatment toxicities. The difference in hCRF treatment response between U87 and C6 intracranial gliomas can be explained by a difference in receptor expression. RT-PCR identified CRF2r mRNA in U87 xenografts; no CRF receptors were identified in C6 xenografts.

CONCLUSIONS

hCRF was more effective than either dexamethasone or temozolomide in the treatment of U87 xenografts, and results included improved prognosis with long-term survivors and only mild toxicity. The therapeutic efficacy of hCRF seems to be dependent on tumor hCRF receptor (CRFr) expression. These results support further clinical assessment of the therapeutic efficacy of hCRF and levels of CRFr expression in different human gliomas.

Protective effect of urocortin on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced dopaminergic neuronal death

Recent studies have indicated that the corticotropin releasing hormone (CRF)-related peptide, urocortin, restores key indicators of damage in animal models for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the molecular mechanism for the neuroprotective effect of urocortin is unknown. 1-Methy-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) induces dopaminergic neuronal death. In the present study, MPP(+)-induced neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell death was significantly attenuated by urocortin in a concentration-dependent manner. The protective effect of urocortin involved the activation of CRF receptor type 1, resulting in the increase of cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. Various cAMP-enhancing reagents mimicked the effect of urocortin, while inhibitors for protein kinase A (PKA) blocked the effect of urocortin, strongly implicating the involvement of cAMP-PKA pathway in the neuroprotective effect of urocortin on MPP(+)-induced cell death. As the downstream of this signal pathway, urocortin promoted phosphorylation of both glycogen synthase kinase 3β and extracellular signal-regulated kinases, which are known to promote cell survival. These neuroprotective signaling pathways of urocortin may serve as potential therapeutic targets for PD.

Corticotropin Releasing Factor promotes breast cancer cell motility and invasiveness

INTRODUCTION

Cancer cells secrete bioactive peptides that act in an autocrine or paracrine fashion affecting tumor growth and metastasis. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a hypothalamic neuropeptide that controls the response to stress, has been detected in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. CRF can affect breast cancer cells in an autocrine or paracrine manner via its production from innervating sympathetic neurons or immune cells.

METHODS

In the present study we report our findings regarding the impact of CRF on breast cancer cell motility and invasiveness. For this purpose we used the MCF7 breast cancer cell line and evaluated the effect of CRF on motility and invasiveness using the wound-healing and boyden-chamber assays. In addition, we measured the effect of CRF on molecules that mediate motility by western blot, immunofluorescence, ELISA and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Our findings show that: 1. CRF transiently inhibited the apoptosis of MCF7 cells. 2. CRF enhanced MCF7 cell motility in a wound healing assay and their invasiveness through extracellular matrix. 3. CRF increased actin polymerization, phosphorylation of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), providing a potential mechanism for the observed induction of MCF7 motility. 4. CRF induced the expression of Cox-1 but not Cox-2 in MCF7 cells as well as the production of prostaglandins, factors known to promote invasiveness and metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our data suggest that CRF stimulates cell motility and invasiveness of MCF7 cells most probably via induction of FAK phosphorylation and actin filament reorganization and production of prostaglandins via Cox1. Based on these findings we postulate that the stress neuropeptide CRF present in the vicinity of tumors (either produced locally by the tumor cells themselves or by nearby normal cells or secreted from the innervations of surrounding tissues) may play an important role on breast tumor growth and metastatic capacity, providing a potential link between stress and tumor progression.

Corticotropin-releasing factor family and its receptors: tumor therapeutic targets?

Urocortin (UCN) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) are members of CRF family. Though CRF is mainly distributed in central nervous system (CNS), UCN has been reported to play biologically diverse roles in several systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, stress, immunologic system, etc. UCN and CRF bind to two known receptors, CRFR1 and CRFR2, to function. Both CRF receptors are distributed in CNS and periphery tissues, and their expression in cancer tissues has been reported. Now there are many documents indicating UCN/CRF play an important role in the regulation of carcinogenesis. There is also evidence indicating UCN/CRF have anticancer effects via CRFRs. This paper will review the effects of CRF family in cancers.

Lack of interaction between etifoxine and CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in rodents

Hyperactivity of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system occurs in some patients with anxiety disorders and depression. Blockade of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors can underlie the anxiolytic effects of drugs. In the present investigation, in vivo and in vitro studies were designed to determine whether the anxiolytic drug etifoxine, known to enhance GABAergic synaptic transmission, behaves also as a CRF1 and CRF2 receptor antagonist. A drug exerting multiple actions may be of clinical interest in the treatment of various different forms of mood disorders. Using two animal models, it was found that etifoxine reversed the excess CRF-induced grooming but not the hypo-locomotion of the rat placed in an open field. Etifoxine attenuated the CRF-induced gastric emptying delay in the mouse. On the other hand, in vitro, binding of etifoxine to CRF1 and CRF2 receptors on rat brain membranes was negligible and functionally, etifoxine did not block the CRF1 and CRF2 activation-induced cAMP production in presence of CRF in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. The selective anxiolytic properties of etifoxine appear unrelated to an antagonist activity at the CRF1 and CRF2 receptors. The decrease in CRF activity produced by etifoxine may be related to its GABAergic properties.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 antagonist blocks brain-gut activation induced by colonic distention in rats

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 mediates stress-induced changes in colonic motor activity and emotion. We tested the hypothesis that pretreatment with JTC-017, a specific corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 antagonist, blocks colorectal distention-induced hippocampal noradrenaline release and visceral perception in rats. We also investigated whether pretreatment with JTC-017 blocks acute or chronic colorectal distention-induced adrenocorticotropic hormone release, anxiety, and stress-induced changes in colonic motility.

METHODS

Rats were pretreated intrahippocampally with alpha-helical corticotropin-releasing hormone (1.25 microg/kg; vehicle), a nonspecific corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist, or intraperitoneally with JTC-017 (10 mg/kg). Hippocampal noradrenaline release after microdialysis and the frequency of abdominal contractions were measured in response to acute colorectal distention. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone levels, anxiety-related behavior, and stress-induced changes in colonic motility were evaluated after acute or chronic colorectal distention followed by exposure to an elevated plus maze.

RESULTS

Administration of alpha-helical corticotropin-releasing hormone or JTC-017 significantly attenuated hippocampal noradrenaline release and reduced the frequency of abdominal contractions induced by acute distention. In addition, JTC-017 significantly reduced plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and anxiety after acute distention. After chronic distention, changes in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and anxiety were not significant because of habituation. In contrast, a significant increase in fecal pellet output during the elevated plus maze was observed after chronic distention. This increase in fecal pellet output was blocked by pretreatment with JTC-017.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that JTC-017, a specific corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 antagonist, attenuates hippocampal noradrenaline release, visceral perception, adrenocorticotropic hormone release, and anxiety after acute colorectal distention in rats. In addition, JTC-017 blocks stress-induced changes in colonic motility after chronic colorectal distention in rats.

Differential inverse agonist efficacies of SB-258719, SB-258741 and SB-269970 at human recombinant serotonin 5-HT7 receptors

Recombinant 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT7 receptors are known to express constitutive, i.e., agonist-independent activity. Nonselective ligands, like methiothepin, ritanserin or clozapine behave as full inverse agonists at 5-HT7 receptors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the degree of inverse agonist activity of three selective 5-HT7 receptor antagonists ((R)-3,N-dimethyl-N-[1-methyl-3-(4-methyl-piperidin-1-yl)propyl]benzene sulfonamide or SB-258719, R-(+)-1-(toluene-3-sulfonyl)-2-[2-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]-pyrrolidine or SB-258741 and (R)-3-(2-(2-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-pyrrolidine-1-sulfonyl)-phenol or SB-269970) in the same model. cAMP accumulation was measured in intact Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing human recombinant 5-HT7a receptors. In these cells, 5-HT stimulated cAMP levels and a series of ligands antagonized the effect of 5-HT with a 5-HT7 receptor-like profile. SB-258719 had no inverse agonist activity, SB-258741 behaved as a partial inverse agonist and SB-269970 was a quasi-full inverse agonist (as compared to methiothepin). The inverse agonist effect of SB-269970 was antagonized in a concentration-dependent manner by SB-258719. The widespread spectrum of inverse agonist activities shown by these compounds should help assessing the physiological relevance of constitutive 5-HT7 receptor activity in native tissues.

Serotonin 5-HT7 receptors coupled to induction of interleukin-6 in human microglial MC-3 cells

Brain serotonin 5-HT(7) receptors are known to be expressed in neurons and astrocytes. We now report the presence of these receptors in a third type of cell, microglial cells. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeOT) and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) induced concentration-dependent stimulations of cAMP accumulation in the human microglial MC-3 cell line. The maximal effect of 5-HT was 3.4+/-0.3-fold stimulation (mean+/-S.E.M., n=5) above basal levels. The rank order of agonist potency (pEC50 values) was 5-CT (7.09)>5-HT (6.13)>or=5-MeOT (5.78)>>8-OH-DPAT (ca. 5). The effect of 5-CT was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the selective 5-HT7 receptor antagonist SB-269970 (pA2 value 9.03). Western blot analysis revealed the presence of immunoreactive bands corresponding to the human 5-HT7 receptor in extracts of MC-3 cells. The presence of two splice variants of the 5-HT7 receptor (5-HT7(a/b)) was visualized by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis with specific primers. In real-time PCR studies, the mRNA for interleukin-6 (IL-6) was found to be increased by 2.5-fold in MC-3 cells after 1 h incubation with 5-CT (1 microM) and this effect was fully blocked by the 5-HT7 receptor antagonist SB-269970 (1 microM). These data show that functional 5-HT7 receptors are present in human microglial MC-3 cells, suggesting that they are involved in neuroinflammatory processes.

Functional expression of the serotonin 5-HT7 receptor in human glioblastoma cell lines

Serotonin 5-HT(7) receptors are present in astrocytes. Understanding their role in this type of cell would greatly benefit from the identification of astroglial cell lines expressing this receptor type. The aim of the present study was to assess the expression of native 5-HT(7) receptors and 5-HT(7) receptor mRNA in a number of human glioblastoma cell lines, by means of cAMP measurements, Western blot analysis and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeOT) and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) induced concentration-dependent stimulations of cAMP accumulation in the human glioblastoma cell lines, U-373 MG, U-138 MG, U-87 MG, DBTRG-05MG, T98G, H4, CCF-STTG1 and Hs 683. The rank order of potency was 5-CT>5-HT=5-MeOT>>8-OH-DPAT. The effect of 5-CT was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the selective 5-HT(7) receptor antagonist SB-269970 in all human glioblastoma cells. Schild analyses yielded slope factors close to unity (0.89-1.13) and pA(2) values of 8.69-9.05. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of immunoreactive bands corresponding to the human 5-HT(7) receptor in extracts of all human glioblastoma cell lines. The presence of the three splice variants of the 5-HT(7) receptor (5-HT(7(a/b/d))) was visualized by RT-PCR analysis with specific primers in all human glioblastoma cell lines. In conclusion, human glioblastoma cell lines express functional 5-HT(7) receptors and the three splice variants of the corresponding mRNA. These cell lines could serve as model systems of native 5-HT(7) receptors in glial cells to investigate their putative role in processes like release of neurotrophic factors or inflammatory cytokines.

Expression of prolactin receptors and regulation of cell proliferation by prolactin, corticotropin-releasing factor, and corticosterone in a neuroblastoma cell line

The aetiology of neuroblastoma remains obscure, although a number of neuropeptides have been implicated in its pathogenesis. Using the mouse neuroblastoma cell line Neuro2a as a model, we have investigated the mitogenic actions of prolactin (PRL) and two hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal stress axis hormones, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and corticosterone. Using established polyclonal PRL receptor antisera with immunofluorescence cytochemistry, we show that the Neuro2a cells possess immunoreactive forms of both the long and short forms of the receptor. PRL and CRF were effective as mitogens in Neuro2a cell cultures, where a 10(-7) M concentration of PRL or CRF elicited a two-fold increase in the numbers of cells after 72 h (p < 0.0001). Corticosterone, however, attenuated their proliferation. These data suggest that prolactin may act to increase the proliferation and regulation of neuroblastomas and that the effects of PRL may be modified by hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal hormones.

The pharmacology of CP-154,526, a non-peptide antagonist of the CRH1 receptor: a review

Since CRH has been shown to mediate stress-induced physiological and behavioral changes, it has been hypothesized that CRH receptor antagonists may have therapeutic potential in disorders that involve excessive CRH activity. CP-154,526 and its close analog antalarmin are potent, brain-penetrable, selective nonpeptide CRH1 receptor antagonists that were discovered in an effort to develop compounds with efficacy in CNS disorders precipitated by stress. Since its discovery many investigators have used CP-154,526 as a tool to study the pharmacology of CRH and its receptors and to evaluate its therapeutic potential in a variety of CNS and peripheral disorders. Systemically-administered CP-154,526 has been demonstrated to antagonize CRH- and stress-induced neuroendocrine, neurochemical, electrophysiological, and behavioral effects. These findings support the hypothesis that CRH1 receptor antagonists may have therapeutic utility in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders. CP-154,526, as well as other CRH1 receptor antagonists that have since been discovered, have also shown activity in several preclinical models of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, while having little effect on locomotor activity and motor function. Although these effects are on occasion inconsistent among different laboratories, clinical evaluation of CRH1 antagonists appears justified on the basis of these and clinical data implicating the involvement of CRH in several CNS disorders. The effects of CRH1 antagonists on cognition, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and the gastrointestinal system have not been as extensively characterized and additional studies will be necessary to evaluate their therapeutic potential in these areas.

Antagonist effect of pseudohypericin at CRF1 receptors

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is widely used for the treatment of mild to moderately severe depression. However, the nature of its active principles and the exact mode of antidepressant action are still unknown. It has been suggested repeatedly in preclinical and clinical studies that the content of the acylphloroglucinol hyperforin decisively contributes to the antidepressant efficacy of St. John's wort extracts. Experimental studies in vivo also indicate that the naphthodianthrone hypericin may reduce the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Exacerbated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity has often been associated with depressive states in patients. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) seems to be a major determinant in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity via activation of CRF(1) receptors. In the present study, we investigated the CRF(1) receptor antagonist activity of three main constituents of St. John's wort (hypericin, pseudohypericin and hyperforin) by measuring their effect on CRF-stimulated cAMP formation in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. As a selectivity test, the compounds were also tested against calcitonin in the same cells. Of the three compounds tested, only pseudohypericin selectively antagonised CRF (K(B) 0.76 microM). Hypericin and hyperforin affected both CRF and calcitonin with similar potencies and the same type of behaviour (competitive antagonism for hypericin, noncompetitive for hyperforin). It is concluded that pseudohypericin is the only real CRF(1) receptor antagonist of the three constituents tested. In addition, evidence is provided that beside hyperforin, both pseudohypericin and hypericin are implicated in the antidepressant efficacy of St. John's wort.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone in the aetiology and regression of neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is predominantly a paediatric neoplasm of the sympathetic nervous system. Despite the aggressive nature of the disease, spontaneous regression is frequently observed in infants diagnosed under the age of 12 months; especially with a specific stage referred to as stage 4s. Discovering the conditions, the elements, the mechanism and the indices behind this regression phenomenon could have therapeutic potential for prevention and cure. A review of the literature has implicated adrenocorticotropin hormone in both the aetiology and spontaneous regression of neuroblastoma. Manipulation of adrenocorticotropin hormone may offer hope for prevention and cure. Ingestible products such as retinoic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, salsolinol and ketoconazole acting in concert, could represent instrumental tools in a therapeutic manipulation process.

CRH inhibits cell growth of human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells via CRH-receptor 1-mediated activation of cAMP-PKA pathway

CRH produced by human endometrial cells exerts decidualizing activity via an autocrine mechanism mediated via CRH-R1 receptors. We postulated that such activity exerted by CRH on normal endometrial cells might translate into an antiproliferative action on endometrial-derived malignancies, provided that neoplastic cells maintain the expression of CRH receptors. In this light, here we investigated the possible antiproliferative effects of CRH in an adenocarcinoma cell line derived from human endometrium. CRH induces time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of Ishikawa cell growth, the maximal effect (50% inhibition) being achieved after 3 d of treatment with 10(-7) M CRH. A decrease in telomerase activity, which paralleled tumor growth inhibition, was also observed in CRH-treated samples. The antiproliferative effect was confirmed by colony-formation assay for long-term survival. This effect was counteracted in a concentration-dependent manner by both alpha-helical CRH and astressin; the former also showed intrinsic inhibitory activity. These findings suggested the involvement of CRH-R1 receptor subtype; this hypothesis was confirmed by RNase protection analysis showing the expression of human CRH-R1 mRNA. Experiments with the PKA inhibitor 14-22 amide and forskolin, as well as the measurement of intracellular cAMP, suggested the downstream involvement of cAMP-PKA pathway in CRH-induced inhibition of Ishikawa cell growth.

The CRF peptide family and their receptors: yet more partners discovered

Abnormal signaling at corticotropin-releasing factor CRF1 and CRF2 receptors might contribute to the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders, in addition to cardiac and inflammatory disorders. Recently, molecular characterization of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors and the cloning of novel ligands--urocortin, stresscopin-related peptide/urocortin II, and stresscopin/urocortin III--have revealed a far-reaching physiological importance for the family of CRF peptides. Although the physiological roles of the CRF2 receptor remain to be defined, the preclinical and clinical development of specific small-molecule antagonists of the CRF1 receptor opens new avenues for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Influence of corticotrophin releasing factor on neuronal cell death in vitro and in vivo

Several studies have demonstrated that antagonists of the corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) receptor markedly inhibit experimentally induced excitotoxic, ischaemic and traumatic brain injury in the rat, and that CRF expression is elevated in response to experimentally induced stroke or traumatic brain injury. CRF is also induced by the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1 (IL-1), which participates in various forms of neurodegeneration. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that CRF is toxic directly in vivo or in vitro. In primary cultures of rat cortical neurons, exposure to CRF (10 pM-100 nM) for 24 h failed to cause cell death directly, or to modify the neurotoxic effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). Similarly, infusion of CRF (0.3-5 microg) into specific brain regions of the rat did not induce cell death and did not significantly alter the neuronal damage produced by infusion of excitatory amino acids. These data demonstrate that CRF is not directly neurotoxic, and suggest that either CRF mediates neuronal damage by indirect actions (e.g. on the vasculature) and/or that CRF is not the endogenous ligand which contributes to neurodegeneration through activation of CRF receptors.