Objectives: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusions: Intravenous CRF stimulates phasic pyloric and duodenal pressure waves in humans.