A neuropeptide hormone; binds to type 1 and 2 CRF receptors as well as CRF-BP (Kis = 0.16, 0.41, and 0.10 nM for CRF1, CRF2β, and CRF-BP, respectively); induces cAMP production in CHO cells expressing CRF1 and CRF2β (EC50s = 0.8 and 0.18 nM, respectively) and secretion of ACTH by rat anterior pituitary cells (EC50 = 0.006 nM); decreases mean arterial pressure and increases plasma levels of ACTH in rats (0.94-18.85 μg/kg); inhibits gastric emptying of a solid meal in mice and rats and inhibits gastric motility and transit induced by vagal stimulation in rats; mRNA levels increase in testis in response to ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat model of testicular torsion,