Is ACTH a key to understanding anticonvulsant action?
Adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH) has been used as an anticonvulsant for many years. In this paper, the use of ACTH in 23 children with intractable epilepsies is described. It was found that ACTH worked most effectively when the EEG showed benzodiazepine sensitivity. A mechanism of action of ACTH is proposed.
O'Regan
M E
ME
Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK.
Brown
J K
JK
D000241:Adenosine / Q000378:metabolism; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001665:Binding Sites; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003975:Diazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000187:drug effects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D000241:Adenosine; D003975:Diazepam