Corticotropin-releasing factor activates the noradrenergic neuron system in the rat brain

The effect of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) on central noradrenaline (NA) metabolism was examined by measuring levels of the major metabolite of NA, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylethyleneglycol sulfate (MHPG-SO4) in several rat brain regions. Various doses of CRF ranging from 0.5-10 micrograms injected ICV significantly increased MHPG-SO4 levels in several brain regions including the hypothalamus, amygdala, midbrain, locus coeruleus (LC) region, and pons + medulla oblongata excluding the LC region. Plasma corticosterone levels were also significantly increased after ICV CRF administration up to 0.5 micrograms. The present results that CRF not only elevates plasma corticosterone levels but also increases NA metabolism in many brain regions suggest its neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator role exerting the excitatory action on central NA neurons.