Urocortin: A novel player in cardiac control

Abstract

Urocortin is a potent regulator of cardiac function, with actions that are prolonged in experimental animals. These changes are mediated via binding to corticotropin-releasing factor receptors found in peripheral tissues. The effects of urocortin on behavior, appetite, inflammation, and the cardiovascular system suggest that this peptide may be an endogenous factor mediating actions previously attributed to corticotropin-releasing factor.