Studies on the possible central effects in man of a neuropeptide (ACTH 4-9 analogue)

The central effects of a neuropeptide, ACTH 4-9 analogue (Organon 2766), were studied in man using digit symbol substitution (DSS), symbol copying, digit span, electroencephalography and auditory evoked potentials, critical flicker fusion (CFF) and pupillary response to light. Performance was measured overnight, and each of 6 subjects ingested 300 mg caffeine, 40 mg ACTH 4-9 analogue and matching placebo. With placebo there was a marked deterioration in performance overnight. The number of substitutions on DSS and the numbers of symbols copied fell, and the threshold for CFF and number of errors on the vigilance task increased. These effects were not seen after ingestion of caffeine (300 mg), though caffeine may have led to some deterioration in the ability to remember digits. The neuropeptide did not attenuate the decrements in performance overnight.