Effects of the combined administration of hexarelin, a synthetic peptidyl GH secretagogue, and hCRH on ACTH, cortisol and GH secretion in patients with Cushing's disease.

Arvat E, Ramunni J, Giordano R, Maccagno B, Broglio F, Benso A, Deghenghi R, Ghigo E

Journal of endocrinological investigation1 Jan 1999Cited by 8 (Europe PMC)

PMID10090133DOI10.1007/bf03345474PepBankPUB-10090133

Publisher page PubMedAsk about this study

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

6 results from studies that gave the peptide. 6 results from people.

01HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
Hexarelin induced a clearly higher ACTH response in women with Cushing's disease than in control women.
In plain wordsHexarelin raised ACTH much more in women with Cushing's disease than in healthy women.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseACTH response to hexarelin in Cushing's disease versus controls
Study
n = 13
Comparator
control subjects
Outcome group
Stress hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
ACTH deltaAUC
3603.8 pg x min/ml
Cushing's disease
Source sentences
Summary
In CD, HEX induced ACTH and F responses (3603.8+/-970.7 pg x min/ml and 10955.9+/-6184.6 microg x min/l, respectively) clearly higher (p<0.002) than those in CS.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To further clarify the mechanisms by which HEX stimulates the activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in man, in 6 patients with CD (6 women, 38-68 yr old) and in 7 control subjects (CS, 7 women, 22-29 yr old) we studied the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg i.v.) and/or hCRH (2.0 microg/kg…
Report a problemFND-1009013305
02HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
Hexarelin induced a clearly higher cortisol response in women with Cushing's disease than in control women.
In plain wordsHexarelin raised cortisol much more in women with Cushing's disease than in healthy women.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseCortisol response to hexarelin in Cushing's disease versus controls
Study
n = 13
Comparator
control subjects
Outcome group
Stress hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Cortisol deltaAUC
10955.9 microg x min/l
Cushing's disease
Source sentences
Summary
In CD, HEX induced ACTH and F responses (3603.8+/-970.7 pg x min/ml and 10955.9+/-6184.6 microg x min/l, respectively) clearly higher (p<0.002) than those in CS.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To further clarify the mechanisms by which HEX stimulates the activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in man, in 6 patients with CD (6 women, 38-68 yr old) and in 7 control subjects (CS, 7 women, 22-29 yr old) we studied the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg i.v.) and/or hCRH (2.0 microg/kg…
Report a problemFND-1009013306
03HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In healthy women, the ACTH response to hexarelin was lower than that to hCRH, but not significantly.
In plain wordsIn healthy women, hexarelin raised ACTH a little less than hCRH did, but the difference was not significant.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeACTH response to hexarelin versus hCRH in controls
Study
n = 7
Comparator
hCRH
Outcome group
Stress hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
ACTH deltaAUC
128.7 pg x min/ml
hexarelin
ACTH deltaAUC
375.8 pg x min/ml
hCRH
Source sentences
Summary
In CS, the ACTH and F responses to HEX, evaluated as deltaAUC (mean+/-SE: 128.7+/-39.2 pg x min/ml and 328.5+/-93.2 microg x min/l, respectively) were lower, though not significantly, than those after hCRH (375.8+/-128.4 pg x min/ml and 1714.2+/-598.0 microg x min/l, respectively), though the peak A…
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To further clarify the mechanisms by which HEX stimulates the activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in man, in 6 patients with CD (6 women, 38-68 yr old) and in 7 control subjects (CS, 7 women, 22-29 yr old) we studied the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg i.v.) and/or hCRH (2.0 microg/kg…
Report a problemFND-1009013301
04HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In healthy women, the cortisol response to hexarelin was lower than that to hCRH, but not significantly.
In plain wordsIn healthy women, hexarelin raised cortisol a little less than hCRH did, but the difference was not significant.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeCortisol response to hexarelin versus hCRH in controls
Study
n = 7
Comparator
hCRH
Outcome group
Stress hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Cortisol deltaAUC
328.5 microg x min/l
hexarelin
Cortisol deltaAUC
1714.2 microg x min/l
hCRH
Source sentences
Summary
In CS, the ACTH and F responses to HEX, evaluated as deltaAUC (mean+/-SE: 128.7+/-39.2 pg x min/ml and 328.5+/-93.2 microg x min/l, respectively) were lower, though not significantly, than those after hCRH (375.8+/-128.4 pg x min/ml and 1714.2+/-598.0 microg x min/l, respectively), though the peak A…
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To further clarify the mechanisms by which HEX stimulates the activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in man, in 6 patients with CD (6 women, 38-68 yr old) and in 7 control subjects (CS, 7 women, 22-29 yr old) we studied the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg i.v.) and/or hCRH (2.0 microg/kg…
Report a problemFND-1009013302
05HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In women with Cushing's disease, the ACTH response to hexarelin was higher than that to hCRH, but not significantly.
In plain wordsIn women with Cushing's disease, hexarelin raised ACTH more than hCRH did, but the difference was not significant.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeACTH response to hexarelin versus hCRH in Cushing's disease
Study
n = 6
Comparator
hCRH
Outcome group
Stress hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
ACTH deltaAUC
3603.8 pg x min/ml
hexarelin
ACTH deltaAUC
1432.7 pg x min/ml
hCRH
Source sentences
Summary
The HEX-induced ACTH and F responses in CD were higher, though not significantly, than those recorded after hCRH (1432.7+/-793.5 pg x min/ml and 4832.7+/-2146.5 microg x min/l, respectively).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
In CD, HEX induced ACTH and F responses (3603.8+/-970.7 pg x min/ml and 10955.9+/-6184.6 microg x min/l, respectively) clearly higher (p<0.002) than those in CS.
Summary · context
To further clarify the mechanisms by which HEX stimulates the activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in man, in 6 patients with CD (6 women, 38-68 yr old) and in 7 control subjects (CS, 7 women, 22-29 yr old) we studied the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg i.v.) and/or hCRH (2.0 microg/kg…
Report a problemFND-1009013307
06HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In women with Cushing's disease, the cortisol response to hexarelin was higher than that to hCRH, but not significantly.
In plain wordsIn women with Cushing's disease, hexarelin raised cortisol more than hCRH did, but the difference was not significant.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeCortisol response to hexarelin versus hCRH in Cushing's disease
Study
n = 6
Comparator
hCRH
Outcome group
Stress hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Cortisol deltaAUC
10955.9 microg x min/l
hexarelin
Cortisol deltaAUC
4832.7 microg x min/l
hCRH
Source sentences
Summary
The HEX-induced ACTH and F responses in CD were higher, though not significantly, than those recorded after hCRH (1432.7+/-793.5 pg x min/ml and 4832.7+/-2146.5 microg x min/l, respectively).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
In CD, HEX induced ACTH and F responses (3603.8+/-970.7 pg x min/ml and 10955.9+/-6184.6 microg x min/l, respectively) clearly higher (p<0.002) than those in CS.
Summary · context
To further clarify the mechanisms by which HEX stimulates the activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in man, in 6 patients with CD (6 women, 38-68 yr old) and in 7 control subjects (CS, 7 women, 22-29 yr old) we studied the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg i.v.) and/or hCRH (2.0 microg/kg…
Report a problemFND-1009013308

Studies that did not test the peptide alone4

In this study, Hexarelin was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking Hexarelin.

07HumanNot a test of Hexarelin aloneNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In healthy women, hexarelin and hCRH given together had an additive effect on ACTH secretion, higher than either stimulus alone.
In plain wordsIn healthy women, hexarelin and hCRH together raised ACTH more than either one alone.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseACTH response to hexarelin plus hCRH in controls
Study
n = 7
Comparator
single stimuli (hexarelin or hCRH alone)
Outcome group
Stress hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Measurements
ACTH deltaAUC
1189.6 pg x min/ml
hexarelin plus hCRH
Source sentences
Summary
The co-administration of HEX and hCRH had an additive effect on both ACTH (1189.6+/-237.2 pg x min/ml) and F secretion (3452.9+/-648.6 microg x min/l).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
In fact, the ACTH and F responses to HEX+/-hCRH were significantly higher (p<0.01) than those elicited by single stimuli.
Summary · context
To further clarify the mechanisms by which HEX stimulates the activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in man, in 6 patients with CD (6 women, 38-68 yr old) and in 7 control subjects (CS, 7 women, 22-29 yr old) we studied the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg i.v.) and/or hCRH (2.0 microg/kg…
In this study, Hexarelin was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Hexarelin.
Report a problemFND-1009013303
08HumanNot a test of Hexarelin aloneNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In healthy women, hexarelin and hCRH given together had an additive effect on cortisol secretion, higher than either stimulus alone.
In plain wordsIn healthy women, hexarelin and hCRH together raised cortisol more than either one alone.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseCortisol response to hexarelin plus hCRH in controls
Study
n = 7
Comparator
single stimuli (hexarelin or hCRH alone)
Outcome group
Stress hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Measurements
Cortisol deltaAUC
3452.9 microg x min/l
hexarelin plus hCRH
Source sentences
Summary
The co-administration of HEX and hCRH had an additive effect on both ACTH (1189.6+/-237.2 pg x min/ml) and F secretion (3452.9+/-648.6 microg x min/l).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
In fact, the ACTH and F responses to HEX+/-hCRH were significantly higher (p<0.01) than those elicited by single stimuli.
Summary · context
To further clarify the mechanisms by which HEX stimulates the activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in man, in 6 patients with CD (6 women, 38-68 yr old) and in 7 control subjects (CS, 7 women, 22-29 yr old) we studied the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg i.v.) and/or hCRH (2.0 microg/kg…
In this study, Hexarelin was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Hexarelin.
Report a problemFND-1009013304
09HumanNot a test of Hexarelin aloneNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In women with Cushing's disease, hexarelin and hCRH given together had an additive effect on ACTH secretion.
In plain wordsIn women with Cushing's disease, hexarelin and hCRH together raised ACTH more than either one alone.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseACTH response to hexarelin plus hCRH in Cushing's disease
Study
n = 6
Comparator
single stimuli (hexarelin or hCRH alone)
Outcome group
Stress hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Measurements
ACTH deltaAUC
8035.7 pg x min/ml
hexarelin plus hCRH
Source sentences
Summary
In CD, the coadministration of HEX and hCRH had an additive effect on ACTH (8035.7+/-1191.1 pg x min/ml) but not on F (10985.4+/-3900.8 microg x min/l) secretion.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
In fact, the ACTH, but not the F response to HEX+hCRH was significantly higher (p<0.02) than that elicited by single stimuli.
Summary · context
To further clarify the mechanisms by which HEX stimulates the activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in man, in 6 patients with CD (6 women, 38-68 yr old) and in 7 control subjects (CS, 7 women, 22-29 yr old) we studied the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg i.v.) and/or hCRH (2.0 microg/kg…
In this study, Hexarelin was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Hexarelin.
Report a problemFND-1009013309
10HumanNot a test of Hexarelin aloneNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In women with Cushing's disease, hexarelin and hCRH given together had no additive effect on cortisol secretion.
In plain wordsIn women with Cushing's disease, hexarelin and hCRH together did not raise cortisol more than either one alone.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeCortisol response to hexarelin plus hCRH in Cushing's disease
Study
n = 6
Comparator
single stimuli (hexarelin or hCRH alone)
Outcome group
Stress hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Measurements
Cortisol deltaAUC
10985.4 microg x min/l
hexarelin plus hCRH
Source sentences
Summary
In CD, the coadministration of HEX and hCRH had an additive effect on ACTH (8035.7+/-1191.1 pg x min/ml) but not on F (10985.4+/-3900.8 microg x min/l) secretion.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
In fact, the ACTH, but not the F response to HEX+hCRH was significantly higher (p<0.02) than that elicited by single stimuli.
Summary · context
To further clarify the mechanisms by which HEX stimulates the activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in man, in 6 patients with CD (6 women, 38-68 yr old) and in 7 control subjects (CS, 7 women, 22-29 yr old) we studied the effects of HEX (2.0 microg/kg i.v.) and/or hCRH (2.0 microg/kg…
In this study, Hexarelin was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Hexarelin.
Report a problemFND-1009013310

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 3Current
27 Oct 2026, 16:35 UTC
Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC
Version 2
13 Oct 2026, 21:44 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
13 Oct 2026, 16:31 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Effects of the combined administration of hexarelin, a synthetic peptidyl GH secretagogue, and hCRH on ACTH, cortisol and GH secretion in patients with Cushing's disease.

Summary

Results from this study10

Studies that did not test the peptide alone4

Version history

Subjects

Publication types

MeSH terms