Brain potentials and attention after acute and subchronic intranasal administration ofACTH 4-10 and desacetyl-alpha-MSH in humans

What Was Tested

Researchers studied ACTH (Corticotropin) and Alpha-MSH in this clinical trial publication.

Neuropeptides related to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) are potent regulators of neurobehavioral functions.

In humans, ACTH and its behaviorally active fragment ACTH 4-10 have been consistently found to diminish event-related brain potential (ERP) signs of focussing attention.

Who Took Part

According to the abstract, 54 subjects were involved.

The age groups tagged for this paper are adults, both men and women.

How the Study Was Run

The researchers set it up as a double-blind and placebo-controlled study.

Neither the subjects nor the staff measuring them knew who was on ACTH (Corticotropin), so expectations could not easily colour the readings.

The comparison arm used a placebo, so changes seen with ACTH (Corticotropin) could be set against what happens without it.

The methods mention a period of 6 weeks.

What Was Measured

This study aimed at (1) evaluating effects of ACTH 4-10 on ERP indicators of attention in healthy controls after intranasal administration of the peptide.

Moreover, a modified Stroop interference test including motivational (food, sex) and nonmotivational words was performed.

The subject headings attached to it are Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Attention, Blood Pressure, Brain, Electroencephalography, Evoked Potentials and Heart Rate.

What This Means in Plain Language

The paper is a double-blind and placebo-controlled study of ACTH (Corticotropin) and Alpha-MSH in 54 subjects over 6 weeks.

The publication is from 1999 (Neuroendocrinology), a journal based in Switzerland.

More context: the ACTH (Corticotropin) compound page and the Alpha-MSH compound page, all human trials.