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Editorial
. 2009 Feb;160(2):229-32.
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08958.x.

On the role of the corticotropin-releasing hormone signalling system in the aetiology of inflammatory skin disorders

A Slominski
Editorial

On the role of the corticotropin-releasing hormone signalling system in the aetiology of inflammatory skin disorders

A Slominski. Br J Dermatol. 2009 Feb.

Abstract

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH; previously known as corticotropin-releasing factor) is the central regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the main organizer of the body’s response to stress.– Stress induces the hypothalamic production and release of CRH, which then causes the activation of the CRH receptor (CRHR) type 1 (CRHR-1) in the anterior pituitary to stimulate ACTH release, as well as proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression and processing. ,, ACTH stimulates the production and secretion of cortisol (humans) or corticosterone (rodents) by the adrenal cortex. These steroids regulate the body’s response to counteract effects of the stressor and suppress the HPA through the negative feedback mechanism. CRH/POMC expression can also be activated by the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, thus involving the immune system in the central regulation of the HPA axis. In addition, CRH together with related urocortin (URC) peptides regulate behavioural, autonomic, endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and metabolic functions both on the central and on the peripheral levels, and CRH has immunosuppressive effects via the HPA.,– It is also accepted that peripheral CRH and related peptides have predominantly proinflammatory functions,, and in this way differ from their central immunosuppressive activity. However, recent data also suggest that the peripheral CRH may have dual effects: a direct, short-term proinflammatory function and an indirect, remote anti-inflammatory function.–

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)/urocortin (URC) signalling system regulates protective and homeostatic functions of the skin. CRH receptor (CRHR) type 1 (CRHR-1) is predominantly expressed in the epidermis, while both CRHR-1 and CRHR type 2 (CRHR-2) are expressed in the dermal or adnexal compartments.
Fig 2
Fig 2
Dynamic feedback interactions between the immune system of the skin and the local corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)/urocortin (URC) signalling cascade. POMC, proopiomelanocortin; B, corticosterone; F, cortisol.
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References

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