title: Influence of corticotropin-releasing hormone on gastric sensitivity and motor function in healthy volunteers.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Bram D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: van den Elzen
authors.forename: Rene M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: van den Wijngaard
authors.forename: Guido N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Tytgat
authors.forename: Guy E E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Boeckxstaens
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone