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Corticotropin release inhibiting factor is encoded within prepro-TRH
E Redei1, H Hilderbrand, F Aird
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
Endocrinology
|April 1, 1995
Summary
A newly identified hypothalamic factor, corticotropin release inhibiting factor (CRIF), inhibits ACTH release. This factor is encoded by the same precursor as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), suggesting linked regulation of endocrine axes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) synthesis and secretion are regulated by glucocorticoids.
- A postulated hypothalamic factor, corticotropin release inhibiting factor (CRIF), has not been identified.
- Coordinated regulation of pituitary-thyroid and pituitary-adrenal axes is suggested.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the hypothalamic factor inhibiting ACTH synthesis and secretion.
- To investigate the relationship between CRIF and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH).
Main Methods:
- Transient transfection of rat prepro-TRH cDNA into mouse AtT-20 cells.
- Measurement of ACTH synthesis and secretion in transfected cells.
Main Results:
- Transfection of rat prepro-TRH cDNA inhibited basal and CRH-stimulated ACTH synthesis and secretion.
- Evidence suggests CRIF is encoded by the same precursor as TRH.
Conclusions:
- Corticotropin release inhibiting factor (CRIF) is likely encoded by the TRH precursor.
- This finding suggests a coordinated regulation of pituitary-adrenal and pituitary-thyroid functions.