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. CONCLUSION: 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.