Augurin stimulates the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis via the release of corticotrophin-releasing factor in rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

The functional characterization of secreted peptides can provide the basis for the development of novel therapeutic agents. Augurin is a recently identified secreted peptide of unknown function expressed in multiple endocrine tissues, and in regions of the brain including the hypothalamus. We therefore investigated the effect of hypothalamic injection of augurin on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in male Wistar rats.

Experimental approach

Augurin was given as a single injection into the third cerebral ventricle (i.c.v.) or into the paraventricular nucleus (iPVN) of the hypothalamus. Circulating hormone levels were then measured by radioimmunoassay. The effect of augurin on the release of hypothalamic neuropeptides was investigated ex vivo

SUBMITTER: Tadross JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2925489 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature