Hypotriglyceridemic Effect of Corticotropin in Man

Abstract

Administration of either a lyophilized or gel preparation of corticotropin in sufficient amounts is capable of lowering the fasting and postprandial elevation of the plasma triglyceride of the hyperlipemic as well as the normolipemic subject, regardless of whether the subject exhibits a behavior pattern of the A or B type. This hypolipemic effect of the corticotropin preparation was not found to be due to its possible lipotropin or growth hormone content. On the basis of these results, it is concluded that corticotropin can serve as a hypolipemic agent in man. The administration of a specially prepared and essentially pure corticotropin replicated the hypolipemic effects of the commercial preparation of ACTH. Administration also of either hydrocortisone or epinephrine failed to effect the hypolipemic influence observed after injection of corticotropin.

Author notes

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Supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, National Heart Institute, HE-03429 and HE-05121; The Life Insurance Medical Research Fund; and a special grant from The Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Mich.