The high-affinity non-peptide CRH1 receptor antagonist R121919 attenuates stress-induced alterations in plasma oxytocin, prolactin, and testosterone secretion in rats

Pharmacopsychiatry. 2003 Jan;36(1):27-31. doi: 10.1055/s-2003-38092.

Abstract

Evidence from basic and clinical research suggests that hyperactivity of central corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) circuits contributes to causality and course of affective disorders. Therefore, CRH receptor antagonists have attracted attention as potential therapeutics. We could previously show that the novel high-affinity non-peptide CRH 1 receptor antagonist R121919 significantly inhibits stress-induced corticotropin release and displays anxiolytic effects in rats selectively bred for high anxiety-related behavior. These animals are characterized by their innate hyper-reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system linked to an increased emotionality and therefore are suitable for the evaluation of CRH 1 receptor antagonists. Here we show that in addition to its effects on anxiety-related behavior and corticotropin secretion, R121919 attenuates the stress-induced release of corticosterone, prolactin, and oxytocin. Moreover, the decrease in plasma testosterone following exposure to stress is abolished by R121919. Our data indicate that antagonism of CRH 1 receptors may prevent stress-associated endocrine alterations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • CRF Receptor, Type 1
  • Corticosterone / blood
  • Exploratory Behavior / drug effects
  • Hormones / blood*
  • Hormones / metabolism
  • Male
  • Oxytocin / blood
  • Oxytocin / metabolism
  • Prolactin / blood
  • Prolactin / metabolism
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Stress, Physiological / blood
  • Stress, Physiological / drug therapy*
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Testosterone / metabolism

Substances

  • Hormones
  • Pyrimidines
  • R 121919
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Testosterone
  • Oxytocin
  • CRF Receptor, Type 1
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Prolactin
  • Corticosterone