How ACTH acts on the brain

Abstract

ACTH appears to act directly on the brain to modulate some behaviors and to elicit others. This paper reviews the known responses of cerebral metabolism to ACTH in an attempt to elucidate the underlying mechanism of its behavioral activity. The cerebral localization of ACTH and its effects on the metabolism of cyclic AMP, RNA and protein and on the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and GABA are discussed. In some cases there are correlations between the neurochemical and behavioral responses. Potential mechanisms of ACTH action are discussed and directions for future research indicated.