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Mice lack protein to bind key stress hormone.
U-M scientists created the new mouse strain by deleting a gene that controls production of one protein. This protein binds to corticotropin-releasing hormone or CRH, a key neuroregulatory hormone produced by all mammals under stress. Binding prevents CRH from activating receptors that trigger the release of other stress hormones, as well as changes in metabolism and behavior. Weight gain differences between experimental males and controls became even more significant from 10 to 15 weeks of age. Experimental and control animals produced nearly the same amounts of the stress hormones ACTH and corticosterone during and immediately after acute restraint stress tests.