Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonists

Abstract

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), CRH-related peptides, and CRH receptors play major roles in coordinating the behavioral, endocrine, autonomic, and immune responses to stress. The wide influence of the CRH system on physiological processes in both brain and periphery implicates the respective peptides in the pathophysiology of numerous disorders characterized by dysregulated stress responses. The potential use of CRH antagonists is presently under intense investigation. Selective antagonists have been used experimentally to elucidate the role of CRH-related peptides in disease processes, such as anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, addictive behavior, inflammatory disorders, acute and chronic neurodegeneration, and preterm labor.