Tri-heterocyclic compound of formula (I) ##STR00001## wherein each of W,
X and Y is carbon or nitrogen; each of U and Z is CR.sup.2, NR.sup.13,
nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur etc.; A ring is carbocyclic ring, heterocyclic
ring; R.sup.1 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, NR.sup.4R.sup.5, OR.sup.6 etc.;
R.sup.3 is carbocyclic ring, heterocyclic ring; and a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, a process for the preparation thereof, a
pharmaceutical comprising them as an active ingredient.A compound of
formula (I) is useful, in order to possess corticotropin releasing factor
receptor antagonistic activity, for the prevention and/or treatment of
depression, anxiety, eating disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder,
peptic ulcer, irritable bowl syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, drug
addiction or alcohol dependence syndrome etc.