The acute effects of corticotropin-releasing factor on energy expenditure in lean and obese women
Chong, P.K.; Jung, R.T.; Bartlett, W.A.; Browning, M.C.
International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity 16(7): 529-534
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0307-0565 PMID: 1323549 Document Number: 401658
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been implicated in the development of obesity in genetically obese rodents. We have investigated the effect of 100 micrograms of intravenous CRF on energy expenditure in women, comparing the response in obese and lean volunteers. In response to CRF, energy expenditure as measured by indirect calorimetry increased rapidly with a peak response in both groups reached by two minutes with a ten minute post-CRF response averaging 9.0% in the lean and 11.0% in the obese. Subsequently, energy expenditure remained elevated for a longer duration in the lean compared to the obese. Overall, the total 30 min cumulative metabolic rise was similar in the lean and obese. The increments in energy expenditure were associated with elevation of plasma noradrenaline levels, suggesting the possible involvement of the sympathetic nervous system. The adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) and cortisol responses to CRF were similar in obese and lean. Intravenous administration of CRF therefore acutely increases energy expenditure in both lean and obese healthy subjects.