| abstract |
Agonists of rCRF and oCRF are disclosed that can be administered to achieve a substantial elevation of ACTH, β-endorphin, β-lipotropin, other products of the pro-opiomelanocortin gene and corticosterone levels and/or a lowering of blood pressure over an extended period of time. One agonist which has been found to be particularly potent is: n A number of substitutions may also be made throughout the chain. Similar peptides which function as CRF antagonists are created by deleting the first 7, 8 or 9 N-terminal residues. 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. |