Expression and protective effects of urocortin in cardiac myocytes.

Reverse transcription PCR showed that mRNA encoding the CRH-like molecule, urocortin, is expressed in a rat cardiac myocyte cell line and in primary cultures of cardiac myocytes. Identity of the amplified with the published sequence was established by restriction mapping and direct sequencing. Expression of urocortin mRNA was increased 12-18 h after thermal injury. Urocortin peptide protected cardiac myocytes from cell death induced by hypoxia. The data suggest that urocortin is an endogenous cardiac myocyte peptide which modulates the cellular response to stress.