Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been identified in brain regions that participate in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system and behavioral responses. This paper summarizes the central nervous system as well as the peripheral effects of CRF that are different from those on the anterior pituitary. CRF acts within the brain to increase plasma concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline resulting in increased plasma concentrations of glucagon and in hyperglycemia. In the dog, CRF also acts within the brain to increase plasma concentrations of vasopressin. The intracerebroventricular administration of CRF results in a decrease of gastric acid secretion stimulated exogenously by pentagastrin and 2-deoxy-D-glucose or stimulated endogenously by a protein meal. CRF also acts within the brain to decrease gastric emptying and small intestinal transit but to increase large bowel transit and fecal excretions. The central administration of CRF produces hypertension, tachycardia and an elevated oxygen consumption. The effects of CRF on behavior are numerous. CRF induces a reduction in food intake, increases grooming behavior, locomotor activity, vocalization and induces an aroused state but decreases sexual receptivity. Intravenous administration of CRF decreases gastric acid secretion, gastric emptying and blood pressure but increases heart rate, plasma vasopressin concentrations, mesenteric and aortic blood flow, venous return to the heart and pancreatic bicarbonate and protein secretions. The physiological significance of these peripheral actions of CRF on various organ systems is not known.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)