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Corticotropin-releasing-hormone lacks analgesic properties: an experimental study in humans, using non-inflammatory pain
Plain-language guide to PMID 10506666 (1999): double-blind controlled clinical trial of ACTH (Corticotropin) and CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone) in 18 men.
Key Facts
- PMID
- 10506666
- Journal
- Pain
- Year
- 1999
- Study type
- Controlled Clinical Trial
- Authors
- Lautenbacher S et al. (5 authors)
- DOI
- 10.1016/s0304-3959(99)00072-x
What This Study Did, in Plain Language
What Was Tested
Researchers studied ACTH (Corticotropin) and CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone) in this controlled clinical trial publication.
The antinociceptive potency of corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CRH) has been established in several animal studies in which both central and peripheral sites of action were considered.
The pain parameters assessed were, visual analog scale (VAS) ratings for pain intensity and pain unpleasantness, pain thresholds and scores for discrimination ability.
Who Took Part
According to the abstract, 18 men were involved.
By PubMed's age tags, the people studied were adults, men only.
How the Study Was Run
In design terms this was a double-blind, placebo-controlled and crossover study.
Neither the men nor the staff measuring them knew who was on ACTH (Corticotropin), so expectations could not easily colour the readings.
The comparison arm used a placebo, so changes seen with ACTH (Corticotropin) could be set against what happens without it.
Each person switched between ACTH (Corticotropin) and the comparison at some point, usually with a gap in between.
What Was Measured
The pain parameters assessed were, visual analog scale (VAS) ratings for pain intensity and pain unpleasantness, pain thresholds and scores for discrimination ability.
PubMed files the paper under topics including Analgesics, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone, Dexamethasone, Evaluation Studies as Topic, Hot Temperature and Hydrocortisone.
What This Means in Plain Language
The paper is a double-blind, placebo-controlled and crossover study of ACTH (Corticotropin) and CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone) in 18 men.
With fewer than 40 people, it is a small study, so it is better read as an early signal for further research than as a settled answer.
The publication is from 1999 (Pain), a journal based in United States.
More context: the ACTH (Corticotropin) compound page and the CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone) compound page, all human trials.
Our Notes on the Compounds
ACTH (Corticotropin): The 39-amino-acid pituitary hormone that drives cortisol production; given as repository corticotropin (Acthar Gel).
CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone): The 41-amino-acid hypothalamic hormone that triggers ACTH release; corticorelin is used diagnostically.
Related Pages
Source: PubMed record. This explanation is written by PeptideWhiz from the public record. For research and education only. Not medical advice; no dosing information is given.