A neuropeptide hormone; selectively binds to CRF1 over CRF2 receptors (Kis = 0.66 and >100 nM, respectively); induces cAMP production in CHO cells expressing CRF2 (EC50 = 0.14 nM); suppresses nighttime food intake by 35% in rats (1 μg, i.c.v); stimulates fecal pellet output, increases distal colonic transit, and inhibits gastric emptying in mice (0.1 and 0.5 μg, i.c.v),