The CRF Peptide Family in Appetite Regulation and Energy Balance

The physiological roles and pharmacological profile of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) peptide family and their receptors are described. Urocortin, urocortin II, and stresscopin / urcortin III are members of this family in rodents and humans. In the central nervous system, these peptides exert actions through their main receptor subtypes CRF1 and CRF2. The current review discusses the results of many studies on the role(s) of the CRF peptide family and of CRF receptors in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure.