CRF-41 stimulates the release of beta-lipotrophin and beta-endorphin in normal human subjects.

A prompt rise in circulating immunoreactive N- and C-terminal lipotrophin (LPH) accompanied the increase in ACTH when 100 micrograms CRF-41 was given to 6 normal male subjects. Chromatography of the basal and peak 15-min values showed that there was an equimolar increase in beta-LPH and beta-endorphin, to cause parallel release of ACTH, beta-endorphin and beta-LPH from the pro-opiocortin precursor