Effect of corticosterone on CART peptide levels in rat blood

We have recently demonstrated that CART peptides display a diurnal rhythm in blood that depends partly on glucocorticoids levels. This study extends previous findings by directly testing the effects of acute administration of corticosterone and metyrapone on CART peptide levels in blood. Acute treatment with corticosterone augmented CART levels, while metyrapone administration prevented the increase in CART in the evening hours. These results further support the hypothesis that glucocorticoids play a role in the regulation of CART levels in blood.