Psychological stress impairs hepatic blood flow via central CRF receptors in mice

Life Sci. 2005 Feb 25;76(15):1707-12. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2004.08.032. Epub 2005 Jan 22.

Abstract

Some previous works have further expanded the 'Brain-Gut axis', that is a bi-directional interaction between the gut and brain function, into a relationship of the brain with the liver. However, all the details of such brain-liver relationship were not fully understood because appropriate animal models had not been established yet. Here we developed a novel animal model, in which hepatic blood flow of conscious mice could be measured in real-time. In addition, using this model, we also demonstrated that exposure to psychological stress considerably reduced hepatic blood flow via central CRF receptors. Thus, this new model is considered to be a useful and promising tool for elucidating the precise effects of emotional factors on liver function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Liver Circulation*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / physiology*
  • Stress, Psychological / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone