Experimentally-induced autonomic neuropathy: beneficial effect of a topical ACTH4-9 analogue on oculomotor nerve regeneration.

Melanocortins, peptides related to corticotropin (ACTH) and melanocyte-stimulating hormone, are known to exert beneficial neurotrophic effects in peripheral sensorimotor neuropathies. This has been demonstrated after both systemic and local administration of the peptides. By photographing the rat's pupil under standardized conditions, the authors have previously shown that systemic administration of a synthetic ACTH4-9 analogue can also be beneficial in autonomic neuropathies. The present study demonstrates that topical application of a synthetic ACTH4-9 analogue incorporated in a two-component fibrin glue enhances the speed of recovery of the parasympathetic nerve fibers in the oculomotor nerve after a crush lesion. This may have implications for future use in neurosurgery.