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1: Neuropsychobiology. 2005;52(2):62-7. Epub 2005 Jun 29.Click here to read Links

Alpha-helical CRH exerts CRH agonistic effects on sleep-endocrine activity in humans.

Held K, Antonijevic I, Murck H, Künzel H, Steiger A.

Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.

CRH is known to enhance wakefulness and to reduce SWS. In addition, some but not all, studies suggest that CRH promotes REM sleep. Alpha-helical CRH exerts CRH-antagonistic effects in various studies. We studied its effect on sleep EEG and nocturnal secretion of ACTH, cortisol, GH (n = 7) in young normal male subjects. After administering the substance cortisol and ACTH levels were enhanced during the total night compared to placebo. We found an increase of the time spent awake for the first half. ACTH (2nd half of the night) and cortisol (total night and 1st half of the night) increased. The results of the present study correspond to a mixture of agonistic and antagonistic effects of alpha-helical CRH.

PMID: 15990457 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]