Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor, Decreases Feeding and Drinking in the Rat

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been hypothesized to modulate consummatory behavior through the Type 2 CRF (CRF2) receptor. However, behavioral functions subserved by the CRF2 receptor remain poorly understood. Recently, human urocortin II (hUcn II), a selective CRF2 receptor agonist, was identified. To study the effects of this neuropeptide on ingestive behavior, we examined the effects of centrally infused hUcn II (i.c.v. 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 10.0 g) on the microstructure of nose-poke responding for food and water in nondeprived, male rats. Malaise-inducing properties of the peptide were monitored us-ing conditioned taste aversion (CTA) testing. To identify poten-tial sites of action, central induction of Fos protein expression was examined. hUcn II dose dependently reduced the quantity and duration of responding for food and water at doses lowe