Fig. 2.

Hypothetical representation of neural regulation of CRF neurons in hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic regions. CRF neurons are regulated by the balance of glutamatergic and GABAergic regulation in many brain areas. Chronic stress increases CRF release in the hypothalamus by decreasing GABAergic and increasing glutamatergic inputs that control CRF neurons. Allopregnanolone may restore homeostasis by increasing GABAergic inputs and, indirectly, decreasing glutamatergic signals, leading to a restoration in CRF signaling throughout the brain. (Created with Biorender.com).