a chemical conjugate of human/rat CRF to the ribosome-inactivating protein, saporin

(molecular weight 35 kDa)

Corticotropin-releasing hormone/factor (CRH/CRF) is the principal neuropeptide involved in regulating the stress response. It stimulates ACTH release from the pituitary gland. When centrally administered to animals it produces somatic changes analogous to those seen in both depression and anxiety. In humans, it is capable of reproducing the hormonal changes which are characteristically seen in depressed patients.

Elimination of Specific Cell Type

• Cells expressing the corticotropin-releasing factor (hormone) receptor 1 (CRF₁ receptor) are eliminated with this reagent.
• All other cells are left untouched.
• Not suitable for retrograde transport.

Effective Tool to Study Disease States

• Elimination of CRF receptor-positive cells is useful to determine their neurobiological role(s).