Potent and highly selective CRF2 receptor antagonist (Ki values are 0.66, 0.62 and 425 nM for human CRF2α, CRF2β and CRF1 receptors respectively). Inhibits sauvagine-stimulated cAMP accumulation in hCRF2α- and hCRF2β-expressing cells. In rats in vivo, blocks urocortin-induced hypotension following systemic administration.

Mouse UcnIII is expressed predominantly in regions of the brain known to be involved in stress-related behaviours, and its expression in the hypothalamus increases following restraint.

CRF, bovine is a potent agonist of CRF receptor, and displaces [125I-Tyr]ovine CRF with a Ki of 3.52 nM.