N-terminal ACTH fragments increase the CSF beta-EP content in Alzheimer type dementia

G Nappi; F Facchinetti; E Martignoni; F Petraglia; E Sinforiani; G Bono; A R Genazzani

doi:10.1111/j.1600-0404.1988.tb03636.x

N-terminal ACTH fragments increase the CSF beta-EP content in Alzheimer type dementia

Acta Neurol Scand. 1988 Aug;78(2):146-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1988.tb03636.x.

Authors

G Nappi¹, F Facchinetti, E Martignoni, F Petraglia, E Sinforiani, G Bono, A R Genazzani

Affiliation

¹ Department of Neurology, C. Mondino Foundation, University of Pavia, Italy.

PMID: 2845700
DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1988.tb03636.x

Abstract

Eleven patients with presenile Alzheimer type dementia (ATD) were treated with N-terminal ACTH fragments for 14 days. No change in cognitive functions was observed during the treatment. A significant increase in CSF beta-endorphin (beta-EP) levels was found, while ACTH and beta-lipoprotein remain unaffected. The possibility that ACTH and its moieties could interfere with beta-EP activities in CNS is discussed.

MeSH terms

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / therapeutic use*
Alzheimer Disease / cerebrospinal fluid
Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy*
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Neuropsychological Tests
Peptide Fragments / therapeutic use*
beta-Endorphin / cerebrospinal fluid*
beta-Lipotropin / cerebrospinal fluid

Substances

Peptide Fragments
ACTH (4-9)
beta-Endorphin
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
beta-Lipotropin
ACTH (1-17)