The CRF Signal: Uncovering an Information Molecule

"Information molecules such as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) are ancient and widely distributed across diverse organs. The scientific community is beginning to realize that CRF is a dynamic and diversely widespread peptide hormone (e.g. placenta) with many functions (parturtion, metamorphosis, circadian rhythmicity) beyond acting as a releasing factor in the brain. Indeed, CRF has been associated with a range of states of the brain, including fear and anxiety, social contact, and incentive salence and addiction. Examining the evolutionary origins of CRF, its diverse endocrine and neural functions, this book provides insights into CRF that will be of interest to students and researchers in the biological, medical and behavioral sciences."--Page 4 of cover.