Corticotropin-releasing factor family peptide signaling in feline bladder urothelial cells.

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a central role in the orchestration of behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to stress. The family of CRF-related peptides (CRF and paralogs: urocortin (Ucn)-I, -II, and -III) and associated receptors (CRFR1 and CRFR2) are also expressed in peripheral tissues such as the skin and gastrointestinal tract. Local signaling may exert multiple effects of stress-induced exacerbation of many complex syndromes, including psoriasis and visceral hypersensitivity.

Pharmacodynamic effects of ivabradine, a negative chronotropic agent, in healthy cats.

Objective: To determine the pharmacodynamic effects of oral ivabradine in cats.

Animals: Eight healthy, adult domestic short hair cats.

Methods: Each cat underwent four study periods of 24 h, receiving either one dose of placebo or ivabradine (0.