Effects of exogenous corticotropin-releasing factor on antropyloroduodenal motility and appetite in humans

Abstract

<h4>Objectives</h4>Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been shown to affect GI motor function and appetite in animals. We have evaluated the effects of exogenous CRF on antropyloroduodenal motility and appetite in humans.<h4>Methods</h4>On 2 separate days, six healthy volunteers received, in randomized, double-blind fashion, i.v. CRF as a 1.0-microg/kg bolus (0-5 min) followed by a constant infusion (1.0 microg/kg/h) (5-150 min), or an identical volume of saline. At t = 28 min each subject drank 200 ml of a nutrient liquid containing 20 mg/kg of paracetamol. Antropyloroduodenal pressures were measured with sleeve/sidehole manometry and perceptions of appetite by visual analog scales. Venous blood was obtained for measurements of serum cortisol and paracetamol. At t = 150 min the manometric catheter was removed and subjects offered a buffet meal (150-180 min). The amount and macronutrient content of food consumed were quantified.<h4>Results</h4>CRF increased serum cortisol (p < 0.001), the number of isolated pyloric pressure waves (p < 0.05), duodenal pressure waves (p < 0.05), and the percentage of antegrade duodenal pressure waves (p < 0.05). CRF had no significant effect on the number of antral pressure waves, basal pyloric pressure, serum paracetamol concentrations, perceptions of appetite, or food intake.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Intravenous CRF stimulates phasic pyloric and duodenal pressure waves in humans.