Adrenocorticotropin and cortisol hyperresponsiveness to hexarelin in patients with Cushing's disease bearing a pituitary microadenoma, but not in those with macroadenoma.

Arvat E, Giordano R, Ramunni J, Arnaldi G, Colao A, Deghenghi R, Lombardi G, Mantero F, Camanni F, Ghigo E

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism1 Dec 1998Cited by 14 (Europe PMC)

PMID9851753DOI10.1210/jcem.83.12.5355PepBankPUB-09851753

Summary

The text of this summary is not shown here, because the article license does not allow reuse. Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)

Text rights: Publisher copyright. Results still quote short attributed sentences.

Results from this study10

10 results from studies that gave the peptide. 10 results from people.

01HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In Cushing's disease with microadenoma, the ACTH response to hexarelin was higher than in normal subjects.
In plain wordsIn Cushing's disease with a small pituitary tumor, hexarelin raised ACTH more than in people without the disease.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseACTH response to hexarelin, microadenoma Cushing's disease versus normal subjects
Study
n = 42
Comparator
Normal subjects
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
ACTH response
18.5 pg/mL
normal subjects
Source sentences
Summary
Moreover, in microadenoma CD patients, the ACTH and F responses to HEX were higher (P < 0.001) than those in NS (18.5+/-4.0 pg/mL and 36.1+/-6.8 microg/L, respectively).
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Our aim was to extend the study about the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg, iv) on ACTH and F secretion in 21 patients with CD (3 men and 18 women, 16-68 yr old).
Summary · context
Based on magnetic resonance imaging, 15 CD patients had pituitary microadenoma, and 6 had macroadenoma.
Summary · context
The results in CD patients were compared with those in 27 normal age-matched controls (NS; 10 men and 17 women, 24-69 yr old).
Report a problemFND-0985175303
02HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In Cushing's disease with microadenoma, the cortisol response to hexarelin was higher than in normal subjects.
In plain wordsIn Cushing's disease with a small pituitary tumor, hexarelin raised cortisol more than in people without the disease.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseCortisol response to hexarelin, microadenoma Cushing's disease versus normal subjects
Study
n = 42
Comparator
Normal subjects
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Cortisol response
36.1 microg/L
normal subjects
Source sentences
Summary
Moreover, in microadenoma CD patients, the ACTH and F responses to HEX were higher (P < 0.001) than those in NS (18.5+/-4.0 pg/mL and 36.1+/-6.8 microg/L, respectively).
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Our aim was to extend the study about the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg, iv) on ACTH and F secretion in 21 patients with CD (3 men and 18 women, 16-68 yr old).
Summary · context
Based on magnetic resonance imaging, 15 CD patients had pituitary microadenoma, and 6 had macroadenoma.
Summary · context
The results in CD patients were compared with those in 27 normal age-matched controls (NS; 10 men and 17 women, 24-69 yr old).
Report a problemFND-0985175304
03HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In Cushing's disease with macroadenoma, the ACTH response to hexarelin was similar to that in normal subjects.
In plain wordsIn Cushing's disease with a large pituitary tumor, hexarelin raised ACTH similarly to people without the disease.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeACTH response to hexarelin, macroadenoma Cushing's disease versus normal subjects
Study
n = 33
Comparator
Normal subjects
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
In macroadenoma CD patients, the ACTH and F responses to HEX and hCRH were, in turn, similar to those in NS.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Our aim was to extend the study about the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg, iv) on ACTH and F secretion in 21 patients with CD (3 men and 18 women, 16-68 yr old).
Summary · context
Based on magnetic resonance imaging, 15 CD patients had pituitary microadenoma, and 6 had macroadenoma.
Summary · context
The results in CD patients were compared with those in 27 normal age-matched controls (NS; 10 men and 17 women, 24-69 yr old).
Report a problemFND-0985175309
04HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In Cushing's disease with macroadenoma, the cortisol response to hexarelin was similar to that in normal subjects.
In plain wordsIn Cushing's disease with a large pituitary tumor, hexarelin raised cortisol similarly to people without the disease.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeCortisol response to hexarelin, macroadenoma Cushing's disease versus normal subjects
Study
n = 33
Comparator
Normal subjects
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
In macroadenoma CD patients, the ACTH and F responses to HEX and hCRH were, in turn, similar to those in NS.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Our aim was to extend the study about the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg, iv) on ACTH and F secretion in 21 patients with CD (3 men and 18 women, 16-68 yr old).
Summary · context
Based on magnetic resonance imaging, 15 CD patients had pituitary microadenoma, and 6 had macroadenoma.
Summary · context
The results in CD patients were compared with those in 27 normal age-matched controls (NS; 10 men and 17 women, 24-69 yr old).
Report a problemFND-0985175310
05HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In Cushing's disease with pituitary microadenoma, hexarelin induced a marked ACTH increase that was higher than that induced by hCRH.
In plain wordsIn Cushing's disease with a small pituitary tumor, hexarelin raised ACTH more than hCRH did.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseACTH response to hexarelin versus hCRH, microadenoma Cushing's disease
Study
n = 15
Comparator
hCRH
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
ACTH delta peak
261.2 pg/mL
hexarelin
ACTH delta peak
45.6 pg/mL
hCRH
Source sentences
Summary
In microadenoma CD patients, HEX induced marked ACTH and F increases (delta peak, mean+/-SEM: 261.2+/-77.6 pg/mL and 226.1+/-87.2 microg/L, respectively), which were higher (P < 0.04) than those induced by hCRH (45.6+/-16.9 pg/mL and 84.6+/-25.7 microg/L, respectively).
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Our aim was to extend the study about the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg, iv) on ACTH and F secretion in 21 patients with CD (3 men and 18 women, 16-68 yr old).
Summary · context
Based on magnetic resonance imaging, 15 CD patients had pituitary microadenoma, and 6 had macroadenoma.
Summary · context
The results in CD patients were compared with those in 27 normal age-matched controls (NS; 10 men and 17 women, 24-69 yr old).
Report a problemFND-0985175301
06HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In Cushing's disease with pituitary microadenoma, hexarelin induced a marked cortisol increase that was higher than that induced by hCRH.
In plain wordsIn Cushing's disease with a small pituitary tumor, hexarelin raised cortisol more than hCRH did.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseCortisol response to hexarelin versus hCRH, microadenoma Cushing's disease
Study
n = 15
Comparator
hCRH
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Cortisol delta peak
226.1 microg/L
hexarelin
Cortisol delta peak
84.6 microg/L
hCRH
Source sentences
Summary
In microadenoma CD patients, HEX induced marked ACTH and F increases (delta peak, mean+/-SEM: 261.2+/-77.6 pg/mL and 226.1+/-87.2 microg/L, respectively), which were higher (P < 0.04) than those induced by hCRH (45.6+/-16.9 pg/mL and 84.6+/-25.7 microg/L, respectively).
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Our aim was to extend the study about the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg, iv) on ACTH and F secretion in 21 patients with CD (3 men and 18 women, 16-68 yr old).
Summary · context
Based on magnetic resonance imaging, 15 CD patients had pituitary microadenoma, and 6 had macroadenoma.
Summary · context
The results in CD patients were compared with those in 27 normal age-matched controls (NS; 10 men and 17 women, 24-69 yr old).
Report a problemFND-0985175302
07HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In Cushing's disease with pituitary macroadenoma, hexarelin induced a slight but significant ACTH increase.
In plain wordsIn Cushing's disease with a large pituitary tumor, hexarelin caused a slight rise in ACTH.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseACTH increase after hexarelin, macroadenoma Cushing's disease
Study
n = 6
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
ACTH increase
33.9 pg/mL
hexarelin
Source sentences
Summary
In macroadenoma CD patients, HEX induced a slight, but significant increase (P < 0.02) in ACTH and F levels (33.9+/-18.0 pg/mL and 89.6+/-34.3 microg/L, respectively), which was not significantly different from that elicited by hCRH (20.0+/-7.0 pg/mL and 54.8+/-21.3 microg/L, respectively).
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Our aim was to extend the study about the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg, iv) on ACTH and F secretion in 21 patients with CD (3 men and 18 women, 16-68 yr old).
Summary · context
Based on magnetic resonance imaging, 15 CD patients had pituitary microadenoma, and 6 had macroadenoma.
Summary · context
The results in CD patients were compared with those in 27 normal age-matched controls (NS; 10 men and 17 women, 24-69 yr old).
Report a problemFND-0985175305
08HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In Cushing's disease with pituitary macroadenoma, hexarelin induced a slight but significant cortisol increase.
In plain wordsIn Cushing's disease with a large pituitary tumor, hexarelin caused a slight rise in cortisol.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseCortisol increase after hexarelin, macroadenoma Cushing's disease
Study
n = 6
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Cortisol increase
89.6 microg/L
hexarelin
Source sentences
Summary
In macroadenoma CD patients, HEX induced a slight, but significant increase (P < 0.02) in ACTH and F levels (33.9+/-18.0 pg/mL and 89.6+/-34.3 microg/L, respectively), which was not significantly different from that elicited by hCRH (20.0+/-7.0 pg/mL and 54.8+/-21.3 microg/L, respectively).
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Our aim was to extend the study about the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg, iv) on ACTH and F secretion in 21 patients with CD (3 men and 18 women, 16-68 yr old).
Summary · context
Based on magnetic resonance imaging, 15 CD patients had pituitary microadenoma, and 6 had macroadenoma.
Summary · context
The results in CD patients were compared with those in 27 normal age-matched controls (NS; 10 men and 17 women, 24-69 yr old).
Report a problemFND-0985175306
09HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In Cushing's disease with macroadenoma, the ACTH response to hexarelin was not significantly different from that to hCRH.
In plain wordsIn Cushing's disease with a large pituitary tumor, hexarelin and hCRH raised ACTH by a similar amount.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeACTH response to hexarelin versus hCRH, macroadenoma Cushing's disease
Study
n = 6
Comparator
hCRH
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
ACTH response
20 pg/mL
hCRH
Source sentences
Summary
In macroadenoma CD patients, HEX induced a slight, but significant increase (P < 0.02) in ACTH and F levels (33.9+/-18.0 pg/mL and 89.6+/-34.3 microg/L, respectively), which was not significantly different from that elicited by hCRH (20.0+/-7.0 pg/mL and 54.8+/-21.3 microg/L, respectively).
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Our aim was to extend the study about the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg, iv) on ACTH and F secretion in 21 patients with CD (3 men and 18 women, 16-68 yr old).
Summary · context
Based on magnetic resonance imaging, 15 CD patients had pituitary microadenoma, and 6 had macroadenoma.
Summary · context
The results in CD patients were compared with those in 27 normal age-matched controls (NS; 10 men and 17 women, 24-69 yr old).
Report a problemFND-0985175307
10HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In Cushing's disease with macroadenoma, the cortisol response to hexarelin was not significantly different from that to hCRH.
In plain wordsIn Cushing's disease with a large pituitary tumor, hexarelin and hCRH raised cortisol by a similar amount.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeCortisol response to hexarelin versus hCRH, macroadenoma Cushing's disease
Study
n = 6
Comparator
hCRH
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Cortisol response
54.8 microg/L
hCRH
Source sentences
Summary
In macroadenoma CD patients, HEX induced a slight, but significant increase (P < 0.02) in ACTH and F levels (33.9+/-18.0 pg/mL and 89.6+/-34.3 microg/L, respectively), which was not significantly different from that elicited by hCRH (20.0+/-7.0 pg/mL and 54.8+/-21.3 microg/L, respectively).
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Our aim was to extend the study about the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg, iv) on ACTH and F secretion in 21 patients with CD (3 men and 18 women, 16-68 yr old).
Summary · context
Based on magnetic resonance imaging, 15 CD patients had pituitary microadenoma, and 6 had macroadenoma.
Summary · context
The results in CD patients were compared with those in 27 normal age-matched controls (NS; 10 men and 17 women, 24-69 yr old).
Report a problemFND-0985175308

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Version 2Current
13 Oct 2026, 21:44 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
13 Oct 2026, 16:31 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

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