[Potential use of the antiserotonin preparation cyproheptadine (peritol) in Itsenko-Cushing disease]

Experiments on male rats have shown that the inhibitory effect of peritol on the hypothalamohypophyseal-adrenal system (HHAS) is determined both by its influence on the regulatory mechanisms of the CNS and direct action on secretion and, possibly, synthesis of steroids. The degree of the antiserotonin and the HHAS-inhibiting effects depends on the frequency of drug administrations rather than on its dose. The experimental studies made it possible to successfully apply peritol to the treatment of inpatients suffering from Icenko-Cushing's disease. Almost 60% of the inpatients manifested a remission, which was confirmed by the reduced blood content of ACTH, hydrocortisone and aldosterone.