Dr. Grey AI

Corticorelin Ovine (Acthrel)

Peptide

Corticorelin is a synthetic ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) analog. FDA-approved for differentiating pituitary vs ectopic ACTH in Cushing's syndrome. 88% sensitivity, 100% specificity for Cushing's disease when using cortisol response criteria. Ovine CRH superior to human CRH. Positive response: >35% ACTH increase and >20% cortisol increase.

Quick Answer

What it is

Corticorelin is a synthetic ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) analog. FDA-approved for differentiating pituitary vs ectopic ACTH in Cushing's syndrome.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Cushing's Disease Diagnosis (Cushing's Syndrome)
  • Grade A: ACTH/Cortisol Response (Cushing's Syndrome)
  • Grade A: Ectopic ACTH Exclusion (Cushing's Syndrome)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

⚠️ Research Notice

This peptide information is for educational and research purposes only. Peptides may not be FDA-approved for human use and may only be legally available for research purposes. Consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any peptide compounds.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Corticorelin Ovine (Acthrel)

Quick Facts: Corticorelin Ovine (Acthrel)

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:1
  • Research Outcomes:3
  • Grade A Findings:3
  • Key Effect:Cushing's Syndrome
A3
B0
C0
D0
1 conditions · 3 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

A
Cushing's Disease Diagnosis
CRH test sensitivity 86-93%, specificity 90-100% for Cushing's disease. 93/100 patients with Cushing's disease showed ≥35% ACTH increase, 0/16 with ectopic ACTH. Superior to dexamethasone suppression test (91% vs 75% accuracy).
large↑Improves
A
ACTH/Cortisol Response
Positive criteria: ≥35-40% ACTH increase and/or ≥20% cortisol increase. ≥40% cortisol increase most specific (PPV 99%). Peak response at 15-30 minutes. Absent response in ectopic ACTH syndrome.
large↑Worsens
A
Ectopic ACTH Exclusion
Ectopic ACTH tumors fail to respond to CRH stimulation. 0% of ectopic ACTH patients show positive response. False negative rate in Cushing's disease 5-10%. Ovine CRH preferred over human CRH for higher sensitivity.
large↑Improves

Research Citations (10)

Ovine CRH Stimulation and 8 mg Dexamethasone Suppression Tests in 323 Patients With ACTH-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome
(2024)
PMID: 37751584
Outcome of CRH stimulation test and overnight 8 mg dexamethasone suppression test in 469 patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome
(2022)
PMID: 36223544
Usefulness of combined testing with CRH and desmopressin to differentiate Cushing's syndrome from pseudo-Cushing's states
(2006)
PMID: 16522696
The corticotropin-releasing hormone test in the diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome: a reappraisal
(2001)
PMID: 11380490
A simplified morning ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test for the differential diagnosis of adrenocorticotropin-dependent Cushing's syndrome
(1993)
PMID: 8077325
The dexamethasone-suppressed corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test differentiates mild Cushing's disease from normal physiology
(1993)
PMID: 3944403
Petrosal sinus sampling with and without corticotropin-releasing hormone for the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome
(1991)
PMID: 7934519
The ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test is superior to the human CRH stimulation test for the diagnosis of Cushing's disease
(1989)
PMID: 2543689
The ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test and the dexamethasone suppression test in the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome
(1986)
PMID: 3022629
Responses of plasma adrenocorticotropin, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone to ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone in healthy aging men
(1986)
PMID: 2539850