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Personality dependent effects of the ACTH 4–10 fragment on test performances and on concomitant autonomic reactions

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Abstract

The effect of the ACTH-fragment 4–10 (30 mg SC) on a mental performance test and on some concomitant cardiovascular changes was investigated in comparison with a placebo in a double blind cross-over study. The subjects were either mainly extraverted or mainly introverted according to Eysenck's ‘Maudsley Personality Inventory’. Under the influence of the heptapeptide extraverted subjects achieved a higher total score in the mental task performance with a smaller increase of forearm blood flow and of heart rate than under the influence of the placebo.

In contrast, under the influence of the placebo introverted subjects achieved a higher total score in the mental task performance with a smaller increase of forearm blood flow and of heart rate than under the influence of the ACTH-fragment. Personality, therefore, determines to some degree how this centrally acting heptapeptide influences efficiency in the mental task performance and the concomitant cardiovascular changes.

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Breier, C., Kain, H. & Konzett, H. Personality dependent effects of the ACTH 4–10 fragment on test performances and on concomitant autonomic reactions. Psychopharmacology 65, 239–245 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00492210

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