Effect of Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) upon the Drug Response of Intact and Adrenalectomized Rats

Abstract

In intact female rats, pretreatment with crystalline ACTH for at least 4 days reduces zoxazolamine paralysis and diminishes the toxicity of aniline, N-methylaniline, and acetanilide. The corticotropic hormone increases the aggravation of drug toxicity by adrenalectomy. Corticosterone also reduces zoxazolamine paralysis; its action (when given alone or in combination with ACTH) is evident both in intact and in adrenalectomized animals. The prophylactic effect of ACTH against zoxazolamine is not associated with decreased plasma levels of the drug. Hence, ACTH and corticosterone act syntoxically in that rats pretreated with these hormones tolerate high blood levels of drugs without exhibiting signs of poisoning.