STUDIES OF THE SECRETION OF CORTICOTROPIN-RELEASING FACTOR AND ARGININE VASOPRESSIN INTO THE HYPOPHYSIAL-PORTAL CIRCULATION OF THE CONSCIOUS SHEEP .1. EFFECT OF AN AUDIOVISUAL STIMULUS AND INSULIN-INDUCED HYPOGLYCEMIA

Abstract

Studies were undertaken to characterize the secretion of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) into the hypophysial-portal circulation of the conscious sheep. In addition, we examined the temporal relationship between the secretion of these two hypothalamic peptides and the secretion of three pro-opiomelanocortin peptides--adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), ir-beta-endorphin, and ir-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone--and cortisol and determined the effects of an audiovisual emotional stimulus and insulin-induced hypoglycemia on the entire hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In the basal state, the secretion of CRF, AVP, the three pro-opiomelanocortin peptid..