Abstract
The recovery of sensorimotor function in rats was studied using a foot-flick response test after crushing the sciatic nerve. Every other day, the animals received a subcutaneous injection of ACTH 1–24 or vehicle, immediately after the ‘foot-flick’ test. Rats treated with ACTH 1–24 showed a faster recovery of sensorimotor function as compared to vehicle-treated rats. This beneficial effect was dose-dependent. In contrast, no effect on toe-spreading could be detected. To investigate what part of the peptide molecule would contain the active site and to exclude steroid mediation, smaller sequences of ACTH 1–24 devoid of corticotrophic activity were tested. Treatment with ACTH 1–16NH 2, ACTH 4–10 or [Met(O 2) 4,D-Lys 8,Phe 9]ACTH 4–9 (Org. 2766) mimicked the effect of AC ACTH 1–24, whereas treatment with ACTH 1–24 did not effect the return of sensorimotor function. The stimulatory effects of corticotrophin 1–24 and congeners on recovery of sensorimotor function are discussed in terms of a direct effect of these peptides on nervous tissue, probably through enhanced brain and spinal cord protein synthesis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
