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ACTH 1-17 and pituitary-adrenal function in human.
La Ricerca in Clinica E in Laboratorio
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Alsactide (ACTH 1-17) strongly stimulates cortisol secretion, but its effects diminish within 24 hours. Prolonged alsactide use blunts ACTH secretion and cortisol response to hypoglycemia, unlike ACTH 1-24.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) regulates cortisol secretion.
- ACTH analogues are used to study adrenal function and secretion dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of ACTH 1-17 (alsactide) and ACTH 1-24 on ACTH-cortisol secretion dynamics.
- To evaluate the impact of short-term and prolonged administration of these analogues on hormonal responses.
Main Methods:
- Administration of 100 micrograms of alsactide or ACTH 1-24 to healthy women.
- Measurement of plasma cortisol levels at various time points.
- Assessment of ACTH secretion and cortisol response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia after 15-day treatment protocols.
Main Results:
- Alsactide induced greater and more sustained cortisol secretion than ACTH 1-24 in single doses, but effects were limited to 24 hours.
- Daily alsactide administration for 15 days significantly blunted ACTH secretion and cortisol response to hypoglycemia.
- ACTH 1-24 treatment for 15 days did not significantly alter cortisol response to hypoglycemia.
Conclusions:
- ACTH 1-17 (alsactide) provides potent, short-term cortisol stimulation compared to ACTH 1-24.
- Prolonged use of alsactide can lead to suppressed ACTH secretion and diminished adrenal responsiveness.