Characterization of a 41-Residue Ovine Hypothalamic Peptide That Stimulates Secretion of Corticotropin and β-Endorphin

Abstract
A peptide with high potency and intrinsic activity for stimulating the secretion of ACTH-like and .beta.-endorphin-like immunoactivities by cultured rat anterior pituitary cells was purified from ovine hypothalamic extracts. The primary structure of this 41-residue ACTH- and .beta.-endorphin-releasing factor is given. The synthetic peptide is active in vitro and in vivo.