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Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Restraint to Induce Stress in Mice and Rats
Published on: December 6, 2024
Control of Stress-Induced ACTH Secretion by Vasopressin and CRH: Additional Evidence
Adriana T Ramos1, Sergio Tufik, Lanfranco R P Troncone
1Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de Sx00E3;o Paulo (UNIFESP), Sx00E3;o Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Combining vasopressin (V1b) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF1) receptor antagonists fully blocks ACTH secretion under various stress conditions. This dual blockade offers a potent strategy for managing stress-related hormonal responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Stress Physiology
Background:
- Vasopressin and CRH are key regulators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
- These hormones play complementary roles in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion under diverse stress types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined efficacy of V1b and CRF1 receptor antagonists in inhibiting ACTH secretion.
- To determine the differential effectiveness of each antagonist against specific stress modalities.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to ether vapor inhalation, restraint stress, or forced swimming.
- Plasma ACTH levels were measured after co-administration of CRF1 antagonist SSR125543 and V1b antagonist SSR149415.
- The duration of the inhibitory effect was assessed.
Main Results:
- Combined V1b and CRF1 antagonists completely inhibited ACTH secretion across all tested stress types.
- SSR125543 was effective against restraint stress, while SSR149415 targeted ether inhalation stress.
- Both antagonists were required to block the ACTH response to forced swimming stress.
- SSR125543 demonstrated a prolonged duration of action.
Conclusions:
- Concomitant blockade of V1b and CRF1 receptors provides a comprehensive inhibition of ACTH secretion.
- The combination therapy is effective against a range of acute stressors.
- SSR125543 shows potential for prolonged HPA axis blockade strategies.
Abstract:
Vasopressin and CRH have complementary roles in the secretion of ACTH following different stress modalities. The concomitant use of V1b and CRF1 receptor antagonists completely inhibits ACTH secretion in response to different stress modalities. The combination of the CRF1 antagonist SSR125543 with the V1b antagonist SSR149415 effectively suppressed plasma ACTH 1.30 h after injection in rats stressed by ether vapor inhalation for 1 min, restraint stress for 1 h or forced swimming for 5 min. The duration of the effect was also studied. The CRF1 antagonist effectively suppressed ACTH secretion in restraint stress, while the V1b antagonist was effective against ether inhalation. Both antagonists were necessary to block the forced swimming stress response. SSR125543 induced a prolonged effect and can be used in a model of prolonged HPA axis blockade.
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