# Corticorelin (Acthrel)

> Synthetic ovine CRH for differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.

Source: https://peptides.cafe/peptide/corticorelin
Category: CRH Analog · Diagnostics
Tag: FDA-Approved · Diagnostics

## Mechanism
Synthetic ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (oCRH) that stimulates pituitary ACTH release; used in inferior petrosal sinus sampling and peripheral CRH stimulation testing to distinguish pituitary from ectopic ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome.

## Research areas
- Differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome

## Common research protocols
- Diagnostic IV: 1 mcg/kg IV bolus with sampling of ACTH and cortisol at defined intervals.

## Study summaries
- "CRH stimulation and IPSS in Cushing's" — JCEM (1991): Improved discrimination of pituitary vs ectopic ACTH sources.

## Considerations
- FDA-approved.
- Transient flushing, dyspnea, hypotension possible.

## Disclaimer
Educational content only. Not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Most research peptides are not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use. Consult a licensed clinician before any use.