Aims and Methods: 

Urocortin 2, a recently identified member of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family and a specific ligand for the type 2 CRF receptor, is expressed in discrete neuroendocrine and stress-related nuclei of the rodent CNS and by several peripheral tissues, with high expression levels in skeletal muscle. To determine the physiological role of Urocortin 2, mice null for Urocortin 2 were generated and HPA axis activity, stress-related behaviours and metabolic performances were examined.

Results and Conclusions: 

Female, but not male, mice lacking Urocortin 2 exhibit a significant increase in the basal daily rhythms of ACTH and corticosterone and a significant decrease in fluid intake and depressive-like behaviour. The differential phenotype of Urocortin 2 deficiency in female and male mice may imply a role for Urocortin 2 in these gender differences.