Corticorelin (

INN Inns are generally establishments or buildings where travelers can seek lodging, and usually, food and drink. Inns are typically located in the country or along a highway; before the advent of motorized transportation they also provided accommo ...

, trade name Xerecept) is a

diagnostic agent A medical test is a medical procedure performed to detect, diagnose, or monitor diseases, disease processes, susceptibility, or to determine a course of treatment. Medical tests such as, physical and visual exams, diagnostic imaging, genetic te ...

. It is a synthetic form of human

corticotropin-releasing hormone Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) (also known as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) or corticoliberin; corticotropin may also be spelled corticotrophin) is a peptide hormone involved in stress (biology), stress responses. It is a releasing ...

(hCRH).

Medical uses

The corticorelin stimulation test helps to differentiate between the causes for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent hypercortisolism. It is used to distinguish a pituitary source of excessive ACTH secretion from a different source. * If corticorelin injection increases plasma levels of ACTH and

cortisol Cortisol is a steroid hormone, in the glucocorticoid class of hormones. When used as a medication, it is known as hydrocortisone. It is produced in many animals, mainly by the ''zona fasciculata'' of the adrenal cortex in the adrenal gland ...

, a diagnosis of Cushing's disease is achieved (ACTH of pituitary origin). * If corticorelin injection leads to little or no response in plasma levels of ACTH or cortisol, a diagnosis of

ectopic ACTH syndrome Small-cell carcinoma is a type of highly malignant cancer that most commonly arises within the lung, although it can occasionally arise in other body sites, such as the cervix, prostate, and gastrointestinal tract. Compared to non-small cell c ...

is confirmed.

Side effects

The most common side effects (in 1% to 10% of patients) are transient dysosmia and dysgeusia (distortion of the sense of smell and taste), as well as a sensation of warmth. About 0.1 to 1% of patients experience

hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity (also called hypersensitivity reaction or intolerance) refers to undesirable reactions produced by the normal immune system, including allergies and autoimmunity. They are usually referred to as an over-reaction of the immune s ...

hypotension Hypotension is low blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood. Blood pressure is indicated by two numbers, the systolic blood pressure (the top number) and the dias ...

(lowering of blood pressure),

tachycardia Tachycardia, also called tachyarrhythmia, is a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate. In general, a resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute is accepted as tachycardia in adults. Heart rates above the resting rate may be normal (su ...

(increased heart rate), flush, dyspnoea (breathing difficulties), a cold sensation in the throat, the urge to urinate, and dizziness. Pituitary apoplexy has been reported in patients with pituitary tumours.

Interactions

The effects of corticorelin are reduced by

corticosteroid Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates, as well as the synthetic analogues of these hormones. Two main classes of corticosteroids, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, are involv ...

antihistamine Antihistamines are drugs which treat allergic rhinitis, common cold, influenza, and other allergies. Typically, people take antihistamines as an inexpensive, generic (not patented) drug that can be bought without a prescription and provides re ...

antiserotonergic A serotonin antagonist, or serotonin receptor antagonist, is a drug used to inhibit the action at serotonin (5-HT) receptors. Types 5-HT2A antagonists Antagonists of the 5-HT2A receptor are sometimes used as atypical antipsychotics (contrast wi ...

s and

oxytocin Oxytocin (Oxt or OT) is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide normally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. It plays a role in social bonding, reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth. Oxytocin ...

. They are amplified by vasopressin and its analogues.

References

{{Diagnostic agents Corticotropin-releasing hormone Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor agonists Peptides World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited substances

Medical uses

Side effects

Interactions

See also

References