Regulation of Gene Expression in the Central Nervous System by Stress

Molecular Pathways of Stress Responses

Abstract

1) CRF within and beyond the neuroendocrine system may function in an integrated manner to effect adaptive responses to stress.
2) Mapping the localization of fos expression highlights CNS regions that probably participate in the mediation of stress and centrally administered CRF.
3) Although c-fos mRNA levels may serve as a postsynaptic marker of neuronal transcriptional activity, the relationship of Fos to products of genes activated later is unknown at present. Further studies will be needed to clarify the role of fos in the HPA axis.