CRF (corticotropin-releasing factor) is a 41-peptide produced mainly in the hypothalamus. The peptide hormone stimulates ACTH release from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. CRH plays an important role in the endocrine, behavioral, and immune response to stress and probably as well in the regulation of energy balance. The human sequence EEPPISLDLTFHLLREVLEMARAEQLAQQAHSNRKLMEII amide also corresponds to the sequence of canine, feline, murine, and porcine CRH.