| abstract |
(57) [Summary] Urocortin (Urocortin, Ucn) is a naturally occurring mammalian peptide with a general relationship to urotensin 1 and corticotropin releasing factor (CRF). Human Ucn has the following formula: Rat-derived Ucn is, Pro 4 instead of Asp 2 and Ser 4 instead of Asn 2 are identical except for two substitutions that are substituted. Ucn or an analog thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered to humans and other mammals to produce ACTH, β-endorphin, β-lipotropin, other pro-opiomelanocortin gene products and substantially the same as corticosterone. A climb can be achieved. They can also be used as stimulants to lower blood pressure over time, enhance mood, and improve memory and learning outcomes, as well as diagnostically. Truncated fragments can be administered to release endogenous CRF and / or Ucn in the brain and peripherally. Ucn antagonists, like antibodies to Ucn, can be used to block the effects of Ucn and / or CRF. Labeled Ucn agonists and antagonists can be used in drug screening assays with CRF receptors. They can also be used diagnostically with Ucn antibodies. |