Animal models of CRH excess and CRH receptor deficiency display altered adaptations to stress

This review highlights new information gained from studies using recently developed animal models that harbor specific alterations in corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) pathways. We discuss features of a transgenic mouse model of chronic CRH overexpression and two mouse models that lack either CRH receptor type 1 (CRH-R 1) or type 2 (CRH-R2). Together these models provide new insights into the role of CRH pathways in promoting stability through adaptive changes, a process known as allostasis. (C) 2001 Elsevier science Inc. All rights reserved.