Is ACTH a key to understanding anticonvulsant action?

Dev Med Child Neurol. 1998 Feb;40(2):82-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.1998.tb15366.x.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / metabolism
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / adverse effects*
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / pharmacology
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Anticonvulsants / pharmacology
  • Benzodiazepines / therapeutic use
  • Binding Sites
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Diazepam / therapeutic use
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Receptors, GABA-A / drug effects
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Benzodiazepines
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Adenosine
  • Diazepam