The corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family, CRH, CRH-related peptides and their receptors (R) play major roles in coordinating the behavioral, endocrine, autonomic, and immune responses to stress. The wide influence of the CRH system on physiologic processes in both brain and periphery implicates the respective peptides in the pathophysiology of numerous disorders characterized by dysregulated stress responses. CRH peptides and their receptors are being explored as therapeutic targets for intervention in stress-related disorders. Selective antagonists have been used experimentally to elucidate the role of CRH-related peptides in disease processes, such as anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, addictive disorders, inflammatory disorders, acute and chronic neurodegeneration and preterm labor. The development of effective antagonists with no significant side effects remains a challenge.
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