Yet, CRH-dependent stimulation of ACTH is largely independent of AVP/copeptin, as in a group of subjects with a history of pituitary disease, but normal ACTH–cortisol responses to CRH, we demonstrated no significant increase in copeptin despite highly significant ACTH–cortisol response of the same magnitude as in healthy controls (i.e., approximately a fourfold increase in a mean ACTH concentrations). The gene discussed is POMC; the disease is pituitary gland disorder.