Acidic fibroblast growth factor activates hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis

Abstract

Effects of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) on the hypothalamo pituitary-adrenocortical axis were examined in anethetized rats. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and intravenous (i.v.) injections of aFGF increased the level of plasma corticosterone. Pretreatment of i.c.v. anti-CRF antibody abolished the increase of plasma corticosterone level induced by i.c.v. aFGF injection, but had no effect on that elicited by i.v. aFGF injection. The plasma ACTH level was increased by i.v. aFGF injection. The results indicate that centrally and peripherally applied aFGF activates the adrenocortical system via the CRF release and the ACTH release, respectively.