Description
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is an endogenous neuropeptide hormone that is involved in stress responses, depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. CRF binds CRF receptors, stimulating release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and β-endorphin. CRF also modulates the duration of pregnancy and stimulates release of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the fetal adrenal gland. High levels of CRF may be used as a biomarker to detect Alzheimer’s disease or major depression.