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Effects of Corticotrophin, Hydrocortisone and Methopyrapone on the Circulating Eosinophiles in Man

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Abstract

2-METHYL-1,2-bis(3-pyridyl)-1-propanone (methopyrapone) has been shown to stimulate the secretion of corticotrophin (ACTH) in the pituitary by inhibition of production of cortisol. 11-Desoxycortisol (compound S) is a precursor of cortisol and 11β-hydroxylation of compound S converts it into cortisol. Methopyrapone (SU-4885) inhibits llβ-hydroxylation of 11-deoxycortisol1. The result is the rise of compound S and fall of cortisol in the adrenal cortex and the blood. Secretion of corticotrophin or its administration by the parenteral route stimulates the adrenal cortex. The resultant release of hydrocortisone and other glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex causes a marked eosinopenia. A clinical trial was undertaken to evaluate and compare the effects of exogenous administration of ACTH and hydrocortisone and endogenous secretion of corticotrophin by methopyrapone. This work is a part of our neuroendocrinological investigation of the role of methopyrapone and phrenotropic drugs in man2.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rockland State Hospital, Orangeburg

    N. J. KOTHARI & J. C. SAUNDERS

  2. College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York

    N. J. KOTHARI & J. C. SAUNDERS

Authors
  1. N. J. KOTHARI
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  2. J. C. SAUNDERS
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KOTHARI, N., SAUNDERS, J. Effects of Corticotrophin, Hydrocortisone and Methopyrapone on the Circulating Eosinophiles in Man. Nature 191, 1105–1106 (1961). https://doi.org/10.1038/1911105a0

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