Effects of ACTH on the Peripheral Blood Flow in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Abstract
It is suggested that the effects of ACTH on the peripheral circulation takes place via the thermo-regulatory mechanism. The scheme was to measure first the preliminary skin temp. and then the thermal response in exposed limbs following the immersion of 1 leg in hot water (44[degree]C) before and after intraven. infusion of ACTH. 29 females between the ages of 25 and 55 undergoing treatment for rheumatoid arthritis mainly were tested. The 29 patients were divided into 3 groups. 19 patients showed a definite improvement in thermal response in the foot after ACTH, 5 showed no change in the response test after ACTH, but showed a higher skin temp. of some upper or lower digit before the immersion. The remaining 5 showed no circulatory effect due to ACTH.