ON THE EFFECT OF LONG-ACTING CORTICOTROPHIN PREPARATIONS

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effect of addition of carboxymethyl cellulose, gelatine, polyphloretin phosphate and zinc hydroxide to corticotrophin was studied by means of fluorimetric plasma corticosteroid determinations in man and rats. The plasma corticosteroid level was stabilized at a low level by the administration of dexamethasone. Two days after a 3 day period of dexamethasone, 2 mg × 4 orally, the volunteers had a normal diurnal rhythm of plasma corticosteroid level indicating that short term dexamethasone treatment may be given without any serious risks. For each type of experiment, the same corticotrophin was employed to avoid dose differences. Each subject was injected with each preparation at weekly intervals. Significant differences between individuals were observed. The effect of polyphloretin phosphate exceeded that of gelatine, both substances significantly exceeding that of carboxymethyl cellulose and zinc hydroxide 8 hours after the injection and subsequently. Similar results were obtained in animal experiments.