Activating and 'anxiogenic' effects of corticotropin releasing factor are not inhibited by blockade of the pituitary-adrenal system with dexamethasone |
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Authors: | K T Britton G Lee R Dana S C Risch G F Koob |
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Abstract: | Central administration of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in rats produces pituitary-adrenal activation and a variety of "anxiogenic-like" effects. The present study was designed to explore the contribution of the peripheral pituitary-adrenocortical axis in mediating these CRF responses. Intraventricularly administered CRF produced suppression of responding in the conflict test and a marked locomotor activation. Neither behavioral effect was altered by the prior administration of dexamethasone in a dose that blocked pituitary-adrenal activation to CRF. These results support the hypothesis that behavioral effects of CRF are mediated by its action at central sites and not via an action on the pituitary-adrenocortical system. |
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