Influence of corticotropin-releasing hormone on gastric sensitivity and motor function in healthy volunteers.
BACKGROUND
As stress may be involved in the generation of functional dyspeptic symptoms, we evaluated the effect of the stress hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, on proximal stomach function. Twelve healthy volunteers [six women; 23 years (20-26 years)] underwent a barostat study on 2 days. During the infusion of corticotropin-releasing hormone (2.3 microg/kg/h) or saline, a stepwise distension protocol was performed followed by ingestion of a liquid meal (Nutridrink, 200 ml, 300 kcal).


RESULTS
Corticotropin-releasing hormone infusion induced a significant increase in cortisol levels and basal volumes compared with placebo. The threshold for discomfort, meal-induced accommodation, dyspeptic symptoms, heart rate and blood pressure were all not significantly altered by corticotropin-releasing hormone infusion.


CONCLUSIONS
In healthy volunteers, peripheral infusion of corticotropin-releasing hormone reduces basal fundic tone, but has no effect on meal-induced accommodation or visceral sensitivity to gastric distension. Our findings suggest that in healthy volunteers, peripheral corticotropin-releasing hormone seems not to be involved in the onset of dyspeptic symptoms.
van den Elzen
Bram D
BD
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
van den Wijngaard
Rene M
RM
Tytgat
Guido N
GN
Boeckxstaens
Guy E E
GE
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000187:drug effects*; D005748:Gastric Fundus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D011312:Pressure; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects; D013270:Stomach / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone