Hypothalamic CRH neurons: A crossroad between stress and metabolism

Stress responses have a major impact on whole body physiology, including energy metabolism, but the underlying neural substrates and pathways mediating stress effects on energy metabolism are complex. The corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus play a central role in stress response. Recently, accumulating evidence indicates that the PVN CRH neurons are a direct link between stress and obesity. Obesity impairs CRH neurons responsiveness to stress, and perturbations of CRH neurons activity cause obesity. Therefore, CRH neurons in the hypothalamus stand at the intersection of stress response and energy balance regulation. Here, we reviewed recent advances in understanding the regulation of appetite and energy metabolism by PVN CRH neurons, with a focus on the distinct long-term contributions of CRH neuropeptides and glucocorticoids.