Expression of Genes Encoding Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (CRF), Type 1 CRF Receptor, and CRF-Binding Protein and Localization of the Gene Products in the Human Ovary1

Recently, the presence of immunoreactive corticotropin-releasing factor (IrCRF) in the thecal-stromal cells of the human ovary and the ability of CRF to suppress estrogen production by human granulosa cells in vitro have been reported. To understand the functional role of ovarian CRF requires characterization of the human ovarian CRF system, which includes CRF, type 1 CRF receptor (CRF-R1), and the high affinity CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP)....