Corticotropin-releasing factor and angiotensin II: comparison of CNS actions to influence neuroendocrine and cardiovascular function.

The cardiovascular and hormonal responses to intracerebroventricular administration of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and angiotensin II (AII) were compared in conscious, freely moving rats. CRF elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), increased plasma catecholamine levels and had no effect on plasma vasopressin levels. AII increased MAP and decreased HR, had no effect on plasma catecholamine levels and elevated plasma vasopressin levels. Ganglionic blockade with chlorisondamine blocked the cardiovascular effects of CRF but failed to antagonize the pressor response to AII. The vasopressin antagonist, [1-deaminopenicillamine, 2-(0-methyl)tyrosine]-AVP, did not modify CRF-induced cardiovascular changes but greatly attenuated AII's effects on blood pressure. These results suggest that CRF and AII have different central actions on hormonal and cardiovascular systems.