The corticotropin-releasing factor (crF) system plays a crucial regulatory role in the adaptation to exogenous and endogenous stress stimuli, as well as homeostasis. Apart from the central nervous system (cNs), the members of this neuropeptide family extend their actions in the periphery, where they may affect various body systems independently, stimulating peripheral crF receptors via vagal and/or autocrine/paracrine pathways. Here, we review all findings concerning the expression and role of the crF system in human liver, but also in other species. Direct and indirect regulatory data are also analyzed in order to draw conclusions about possible physiological/pathophysiological implications. Although data supporting any clinical significance are still limited and further research in the field is necessary, scientific interest in the crF system is particularly active, with multiple ongoing clinical studies evaluating the activity of crF ligands in medical conditions involving other organs. Thus, new knowledge with therapeutic potential appears to be steadily accumulating.
oBJectIVe: the corticotropin-releasing factor (cRf) family consists of the neuropeptides cRf, ucn I, II and III and the binding sites cRfR1, cRfR2 and cRf-BP. It regulates stress response and the homeostasis of an organism. In this study, we examined the presence of the cRf system in the human hearts of normal and pathological fetuses. desIGn: Heart tissues from 40 archival human fetuses were divided into Group A (without pathology, 'normal'), Group B (with chromosomal abnormalities) and Group c (with congenital disorders). Immunohistochemistry was used to localize the cRf system. Results correlated to gestational trimester and pathology. ResuLts: Immunoreactivity for all antigens was found in cardiac myocytes of all groups, in almost all samples, except ucn III which was present in almost half of the fetuses of Groups B and c and was not detected at all in Group A. ucn III was more often present during the earlier stage of development (<21weeks) and in fetuses with congenital disorders. In a fetus diagnosed with heart pathology, all but ucn III antigens were also present. concLusIons: we localized a complete cRf system in the human fetal heart and correlated the presence of ucn III to development and pathology. More studies are needed to verify and clarify the exact role of the cRf system in the human fetal heart.
We localized a complete CRF system in the human fetal heart and correlated the presence of Ucn III to development and pathology. More studies are needed to verify and clarify the exact role of the CRF system in the human fetal heart.
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