Abstract
Summary: The effect of cortisol, niethylprednisolone, and ACTH on (Na+-K+)-ATPase activity in developing cerebral cortex has been measured. Stimulation of (Na+-K+)-ATPase by these agents has been found in whole brain homogenates of kittens as early as age 8 days, and in whole homogenates and light microsomal fractions of young rats at 14 and 28 days. (Na+-K+)-ATPase activity in animals treated with corticosteroids or ACTH for 4 days was found to be 15–30% higher than activity in littermate controls. Brain potassium concentration was increased in 14-day-old rats treated with methylprednisolone.
Speculation: Corticosteroid hormones and ACTH are effective in the treatment of seizures in infancy, especially in patients with infantile spasms and hypsarrhythmia. Stimulation of (Na+-K+)-ATPase activity by these hormones provides a plausible mechanism for the anticonvulsant effect.
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Huttenlocher, P., Amemiya, I. Effects of Adrenocortical Steroids and of Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone on (Na+-K+)-ATPase in Immature Cerebral Cortex. Pediatr Res 12, 104–107 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197802000-00008
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197802000-00008
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