Corticotropin-releasing hormone in the regulation of adaptive behavior

Recent findings on the role of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the regulation of stress and its consequences are summarized and analyzed in the review. Being involved in stress-activating system this neurohormone is referred to as a neurochemical factor triggering and integrating both endocrine and behavioral functions. The CRH distribution in hypothalamus and extrahypothalamic brain regions relevant to its involvement in the controlling of endocrine processes and behavior is viewed in details. Distinct behavioral outcomes of stress and the contribution of amygdalar, hippocampal, and striatal CRH-structures, implicated in general organism response to external influences, are widely discussed. From this viewpoint the mechanisms involved in the development of post-stress psychopathology, as well as drug addiction and alcoholism are treated.