Abstract
The therapeutic benefits of adrenocorticotropic hormone in multiple sclerosis are usually ascribed to its corticotropic actions. Evidence is presented that adrenocorticotropic hormone, approved for multiple sclerosis relapses, acts via corticosteroid-independent melanocortin pathways to engender down-modulating actions on immune-system cells and the cytokines they synthesize. Immune response-dampening effects are also brought about by agent-induced neurotransmitters that inhibit immunocytes. The likelihood that adrenocorticotropic hormone promotes microglial quiescence and counteracts glucocorticoid-mediated bone resorption is discussed.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / adverse effects
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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / pharmacology
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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / therapeutic use*
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
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Central Nervous System / pathology
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Clinical Trials as Topic
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Humans
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Immunologic Factors / pharmacology
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Ligands
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Melanocortins / pharmacology
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Melanocortins / therapeutic use*
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Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
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Patient Safety
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Receptors, Melanocortin / drug effects
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Signal Transduction / drug effects
Substances
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents
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Immunologic Factors
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Ligands
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Melanocortins
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Receptors, Melanocortin
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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone