Effects of continuous alpha (1-24) ACTH infusion in the dog

Dogs chronically infused with alpha (1-24) ACTH for 2 weeks showed continuous elevations in plasma ACTH, cortisol, and progesterone levels. Haematologic changes included immediate increases in numbers of mature neutrophils and monocytes and reduced numbers of eosinophils and lymphocytes. Haematocrits were also reduced with ACTH infusion. Whereas serum potassium levels fell in association with ACTH, serum sodium was unchanged. Activities of two serum enzymes of probable liver origin, alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase, increased gradually with ACTH treatment. Histologic examination of liver tissue revealed prominent hepatocellular vacuolisation. The trophic action of ACTH infusion was manifested by an increased adrenal gland weight and an enhanced cortisol response to a bolus ACTH injection given 1 day after the infusion ceased. Long-term infusion of ACTH resulted in haematologic, biochemical and morphologic changes resembling those observed in dogs with spontaneous pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.