Description
Urocortin II is an endogenous peptide ligand and member of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family; it binds and activates CRF type 2 receptors. Like other urocortins, urocortin II modulates stress responses and exhibits anorexigenic, anxiogenic, anxiolytic, and positive inotropic effects (including increases in coronary blood blow and cardiac output) across a wide variety of in vivo models. Urocortin II modulates Ca2+ homeostasis in cellular models. Additionally, urocortin II induces depolarization of pathogen cell membranes, exhibiting antibacterial activity.
References
Campos-Salinas J, Caro M, Cavazzuti A, et al. Protective Role of the Neuropeptide Urocortin II against Experimental Sepsis and Leishmaniasis by Direct Killing of Pathogens. J Immunol. 2013 Dec 15;191(12):6040-51. PMID: 24249730.
Grossini E, Caimmi PP, Molinari C, et al. Modulation of calcium movements by urocortin II in endothelial cells. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2010;25(2-3):221-32. PMID: 20110683.
Grossini E, Molinari C, Mary DA, et al. The effect of urocortin II administration on the coronary circulation and cardiac function in the anaesthetized pig is nitric-oxide-dependent. Eur J Pharmacol. 2008 Jan 14;578(2-3):242-8. PMID: 17936748.
Takahashi K, Totsune K, Murakami O, et al. Urocortins as cardiovascular peptides. Peptides. 2004 Oct;25(10):1723-31. PMID: 15476939.
Suda T, Kageyama K, Sakihara S, et al. Physiological roles of urocortins, human homologues of fish urotensin I, and their receptors. Peptides. 2004 Oct;25(10):1689-701. PMID: 15476936.
