corticorelin

Corticorelin is a synthetic 41-amino acid peptide analogue of the endogenous human corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), also known as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). It is a primary regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, acting as a potent agonist at the CRH receptors CRHR1 and CRHR2. Upon administration, it stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn induces the release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex. Clinically, corticorelin is primarily utilized as a diagnostic agent in the 'corticorelin stimulation test' to evaluate HPA axis function and to differentiate between ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome (Cushing's disease) and ectopic ACTH secretion. Beyond its diagnostic role, research conducted by institutions like Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven explores its involvement in gastrointestinal (GI) pathophysiology, where stress-induced CRH signaling is linked to altered gut permeability, immune activation, and sensorimotor dysfunction in conditions such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Brand names

CRH FerringCortiscorActhrel

Other names

corticotropin-release hormonecorticotropin-releasing hormonecorticotropin-releasing factorhuman corticotropin-releasing hormone