Differential Patterns of Plasma Cortisol and Aldosterone Following Stimulation with Increasing Doses of the Synthetic Analogue [β-Ala¹, Lys¹⁷]ACTH^1-17-4-amino-N-butylamide

Summary

Plasma cortisol and aldosterone levels were determined on serial blood samples drawn in ten healthy adult volunteers up to six hours after single intravenous injection of increasing amounts of the synthetic heptadecapeptide [β-Ala¹, Lys¹⁷]ACTH^1-17-4-amino-n-butylamide. The following doses were used: 1 μg, 5 μg, 10 μg. 100 μg; data were compared to those obtained after injection of saline. A significant rise of cortisol levels followed injection of each dose of the ACTH^1-17 analogue; dose-dependent differences were noted both in the intensity and in the duration of the stimulatory effect. A significant rise of aldosterone levels followed injection of 10 μg and of 100 μg; dynamics of aldosterone response was similar to that of cortisol only upon the administration of the highest dose. The elevated corticotrophic potency of the ACTH^1-17 analogue and the differential sensitivity of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid secretion, respectively, indicate a potential clinical significance for this peptide in testing adrenocortical function.

Key-Words:

ACTH Analogue - Adrenal Stimulation - Aldosterone - Cortisol