Hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) secretion into hypophysial portal blood is regulated by cutaneous sensory stimulation in anesthetized rats.

Abstract

The effects of noxious and non-noxious mechanical stimulation of various segmental skin areas (face, forelimb and forepaw, abdomen, hindlimb and hindpaw) on the secretion of immunoreactive corticotropin-releasing hormone (iCRH) from the hypothalamus into hypophysial portal blood was examined in artificially ventilated rats under halothane anesthesia. Secretion of iCRH was calculated from the iCRH concentration in hypophysial portal plasma and the plasma flow rate. Noxious mechanical stimulation of the skin was delivered by pinching using surgical clamps, while non-noxious mechanical stimulation was provided by brushing with tooth brushes. Pinching of the bilateral forepaws or hindpaws and brushing of the bilateral hindlimbs for 20 min increased hypothalamic iCRH secretion. In contrast, pinching of the face or abdomen and brushing of the face, forelimbs, or abdomen for 20 min did not significantly influence it. These results indicate that cutaneous mechanical sensory stimulation contributes to the reflex regulation of CRH secretion from the hypothalamus into hypophysial portal blood, and also that this effect is highly dependent on the site of stimulation.