Respiratory Parameters after Systemic Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Administration

Neuroanatomical studies on the distribution of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and its receptors (7) as well as physiological data suggest a regulatory function of endogenous CRH in hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic brain areas [1, 4]. Endogenous CRH acts within the endocrine hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and affects cardiovascular regulation and respiration through extrahypothalamic pathways. CRH also stimulates gluconeogenesis and release of plasma-catecholamines. Our experiments in humans also demonstrate an influence on respiration and on heart rate activity after systemic application of CRH. Respiratory parameters and heart rate were analyzed during steady-state conditions …