| abstract |
Rat Corticotropin Releasing Factor (rCRF) and the human counterpart thereof have the formula:n H-Ser-Glu-Glu-Pro-Pro-Ile-Ser-Leu-Asp-Leu-n Thr-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Arg-Glu-Val-Leu-Glu-Met-n Ala-Arg-Ala-Glu-Gln-Leu-Ala-Gln-Gln-Ala-His-n Ser-Asn-Arg-Lys-Leu-Met-Glu-Ile-Ile-NH2.n Analogs are disclosed that are at least as potent. One which has been found to be particularly potent is:n H-Ser-Gln-Glu-Pro-Pro-Ile-Ser-Leu-Asp-Leu-Thr-n Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Arg-Glu-Met-Leu-Glu-Met-n Ala-Lys-Ala-Glu-Gln-Glu-Ala-Glu-Gln-Ala-n Ala-Leu-Asn-Arg-Leu-Leu-Leu-Glu-Glu-Ala-NH2.n These analogs or pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salts thereof, dispersed in a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable liquid or solid carrier, can be administered to mammals, including humans, to achieve a substantial elevation of ACTH, beta -endorphin, beta -lipotropin, other products of the pro-opiomelanocortin gene and corticosterone levels and/or a lowering of blood pressure over an extended period of time. They may also be used as stimulants to elevate mood and improve memory and learning, as well as diagnostically. n<??>In the analogs, one or more of the first three N-terminal residues may be deleted or may be substituted by a peptide up to 10 amino acids long and/or by an acylating agent containing up to 7 carbon atoms. A number of other substitutions may also be made throughout the chain. |