Buspirone (2.0 or 4.0 mg/kg) and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) (0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg) were used to examine the effects of serotonin 1A receptor agonists on the behavioral response of rats to centrally administered corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). Behavioral observations were done with animals in their home cages. Parameters measured included locomotor activity, grooming and food consumption. CRF alone increased locomotor activity. 8-OH-DPAT also increased locomotion in both saline control and CRF-treated rats. Buspirone had no effect on basal locomotion or on CRF-induced hyperactivity. Both buspirone and 8-OH-DPAT antagonized CRF-induced grooming. Food consumption by fasted rats was suppressed by ICV CRF. 8-OH-DPAT suppressed eating by both ICV CRF and ICV saline-treated animals, while buspirone was without effect. These results demonstrate differences between the two putative 5-HT-1A agonists in their effects on CRF-induced behaviour but also demonstrate that both suppress CRF-induced grooming.