Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF)

CRF is a 41-amino acid polypeptide hormone and neurotransmitter involved in the stress response. It is produced by neuroendocrine cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and is released from neurosecretory terminals of these neurons into the primary capillary plexus of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system. The portal system carries the CRH to the anterior lobe of the pituitary, where it stimulates corticotropes to secrete corticotropin and other biologically active substances.