A Possible Direct Action of ACTH on Nerve and Muscle

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Abstract

The influence of hormones upon the peripheral nervous system has been demonstrated mainly in isolated systems. These studies correlate muscle action potential (AP), amplitude, and contraction height with variations in ACTH levels in situ in the rat. The sciatic nerve was stimulated without being cut (5/sec; 0.1 msec duration; supermaximal strength). Gastrocnemius APs and contractions were then recorded for 30 min of stimulation and again after rest. Muscle temperature was also recorded. The effects of endogenous ACTH induced by cold stress (3°C for 4 h) and the administration of 10 mU ACTH were investigated in normal, adrenalectomized and hypophysectomized rats. The results indicate that increasing ACTH titers increase AP and contraction amplitude and diminish fatigue in all groups. Hypophysectomy, with a concomitant decrease in ACTH, has the opposite effect upon these parameters. Muscle temperature does not appear to be a causative factor. The possibility that ACTH may act directly on nerve or muscle membrane, or on the neuromuscular junction, is discussed.

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Journal

Journal ID (publisher-id): NEN

Journal ID (nlm-ta): Neuroendocrinology

Journal ID (doi): 10.1159/issn.0028-3835

Title: Neuroendocrinology

Publisher: S. Karger AG

ISSN (Print): 0028-3835

ISSN (Electronic): 1423-0194

Publication date Subscription-year: 1973

Publication date (Print): 1973

Publication date (Electronic): 25 March 2008

Volume: 13

Issue: 1-2

Pages: 1-20

Affiliations

Department of Biology, New York University, New York, N.Y.

Article

Publisher ID: 122191 Other ID: Neuroendocrinology 1973;13:1–20

DOI: 10.1159/000122191

PubMed ID: 4360449

SO-VID: 4a3650f2-4167-4047-941d-963fd91bf4bd

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Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.

History

Date received : 10 October 1972

Date accepted : 27 February 1973

Page count

Pages: 20

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