The effect of ovine corticotropin-releasing factor on catecholamine, vasopressin, and aldosterone secretion in normal man.

The 41-residue ovine corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) was administered iv to five normal men. A significant rise in plasma corticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, and aldosterone was demonstrated after a dose of 200 micrograms. There was no demonstrable change in supine blood pressure, pulse rate, plasma vasopressin, renin, catecholamines, insulin, glucagon, or glucose. It is concluded that 200 micrograms ovine CRF stimulates ACTH and cortisol secretion independently of any change in peripheral plasma levels of vasopressin and catecholamines. The cortisol and ACTH responses to ovine CRF were less marked but more prolonged than those after insulin-induced hypoglycemia. The relatively small increment in plasma ACTH, which was well within the physiological range, was associated with a significant increase in plasma aldosterone. Posterior pituitary function was not affected by this dose of ovine CRF.