Adrenocorticotropin-related modulation of the human EEG and individual variability.
During a 6-h period in resting conditions, the blood concentrations at rest of cortisol, glucose and the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) varied spontaneously within physiological ranges in eight healthy male volunteers (24.5+/-1.7 years), without pulsatile changes, correlation among variables, or indications of stress response. The power of the 6.5-14.0 Hz physiological 'alpha' rhythm of the electroencephalogram (EEG) proved inverted-U correlated with the ACTH concentration (with maximum power at 12-14 pmol/l ACTH) but was independent from the extent of ACTH change or from cortisol/glucose concentrations. Two subgroups of subjects with low/high EEG power values could be separated depending on ACTH concentration, with estimated cut-off at 7-8 pmol/l. A direct ACTH modulation of brain electrophysiology or common factors (e.g. the corticotropin-releasing hormone) pacing both ACTH and EEG are suggested and may account for individual EEG differences.
Sannita
W G
WG
Center for Neuroactive Drugs, DISMR, University of Genoa, Italy. wgs@dism.unicge.it
Loizzo
A
A
Garbarino
S
S
Gesino
D
D
Massimilla
S
S
Ogliastro
C
C
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood* / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D000513:Alpha Rhythm; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D009928:Organ Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
D001786:Blood Glucose; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone