CRFR1 is expressed on pancreatic beta cells, promotes beta cell proliferation, and potentiates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner.

ABSTRACT: Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), originally characterized as the principal neuroregulator of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, has broad central and peripheral distribution and actions. We demonstrate the presence of CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1) on primary beta cells and show that activation of pancreatic CRFR1 promotes insulin secretion, thus contributing to the restoration of normoglycemic equilibrium. Stimulation of pancreatic CRFR1 initiates a cAMP response that promotes insulin secretion in vitro and in vivo and leads to the phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding and the induction of the expression of several immediate-early genes. Thus, the insulinotropic actions of pancreatic CRFR1 oppose the activation of CRFR1 on anterior pituitary corticotropes, leading to th

SUBMITTER: Huising MO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2818901 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature