CHANGES IN PLASMA LEVEL OF 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS INDUCED BY ACTH. III. EFFECTS OF VARIOUS VEHICLES AND MODES OF ADMINISTRATION*

Abstract
Based on their ascorbic-acid depleting potency, various preparations of ACTH did not differ in their ability to increase the plasma level of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) when a dose of 25 I.U. of ACTH was given intravenously as a six-hour infusion. When ACTH is injected intramuscularly it is apparently absorbed or destroyed faster than when given intravenously. When ACTH is injected intramuscularly it is apparently absorbed or destroyed faster than when given intravenously. Reduction in these rates of absorption or destruction can be achieved by giving ACTH intramuscularly either in gelatin or as a zinc protamine complex.