Corticotropin‐releasing factor receptor 2‐deficiency eliminates social behaviour deficits and vulnerability induced by cocaine

Background and Purpose Poor social behaviour and vulnerability to stress are major clinical features of stimulant use disorders. The corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) system mediates stress responses and might underlie substance use disorders; however, its involvement in social impairment induced by stimulant substances remains unknown. CRF signalling is mediated by two receptor types, CRF1 and CRF2. In the present study we investigated the role of the CRF2 receptor in social behaviour deficits, vulnerability to stress and related brain alterations induced by cocaine administration and withdrawal.