What is urocortin?

Answer: Urocortins are a class of three neuropeptides that are closely related to the corticotropin-releasing hormones (CRH).

Urocortin is a peptide consisting of 40 amino acids. As a signaling molecule, urocortin interacts with the corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor type 1 (CRF1) and type 2 (CRF2).

Urocortin is expressed heavily in the hippocampus and the supraoptic nucleus. (Differential distribution of urocortin- and corticotropin-releasing factor-like immunoreactivities in the rat brain) 

Functions of urocortin

Urocortin is a known appetite suppressor. Feeding behaviors decrease during urocortin signaling.

Urocortin signaling contributes to anxiety, likely due to its action on the corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor. For example, urocortin increases anxiety-like behaviors and increases motor activity in rats (The neurobiology of urocortin).

Urocortin also functions in the periphery. CRF is expressed in cardiac tissue, and increased urocortin levels elevates heart rate and blood flow. This ability to modulate cardiac function is not shared by CRF.