Corticotrophin releasing factor: effects on circulating gut and pancreatic peptides in man

As a CRF-like peptide has been isolated from human gut, we investigated the effect of synthetic CRF-41 100 micrograms on gut and pancreatic peptides in six normal subjects. There was a significant rise in pancreatic polypeptide compared to a control infusion, but no change in plasma insulin, pancreatic glucagon, gastrin, somatostatin, motilin, neurotensin, gastric inhibitory peptide, or cholecystokinin was seen. In addition, there was no change in circulating met-enkephalin. We conclude that the rise in pancreatic polypeptide seen after CRF administration may suggest a role for a CRF-like peptide in the control of pancreatic function.