also play a role in modulating social behavior in some species. Cardiovascular effects Urocortin has been shown to induce increases in heart rate and coronary blood flow when applied peripherally. These effects are likely mediated through the CRF type 2 receptor, as this receptor is found in the cardiac atria and ventricles. Urocortin also functions to protect cardiovascular tissue from ischemic injury. Urocortin's cardiovascular effects separate it from other members of the CRF family, and likely represent its primary biological function. In non-mammals Urocortin is not present in all non-mammals; the closet analogue in teleost fish is urotensin I. However, in amphibian species such as Xenopus laevis, urocortin is expressed in tissues such as brain, pituitary, kidney, heart, and skin. Urocortin in Xenopus has been shown to increase cAMP accumulation and inhibit appetite References Further reading External links Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor agonists Peptide hormones