The role of the HPA axis in psychiatric disorders and CRF antagonists as potential treatments

Arch Pharm (Weinheim). 2006 Jul;339(7):346-55. doi: 10.1002/ardp.200600021.

Abstract

An overview of the links between the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and psychiatric disorders is presented. The current treatments are outlined, indicating that they are insufficient to meet the needs of those that suffer from these affective disorders. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the generation of new therapeutics, in particular, against new targets. The association of the corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) and the HPA axis indicates that CRF antagonists should be beneficial as potential therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / genetics
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiology*
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Mental Disorders / metabolism
  • Mental Disorders / physiopathology
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiology*
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use
  • Pyrroles / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • CP 154526
  • Pyrimidines
  • Pyrroles
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone