The effect of ACTH on the plasma level of non-esterified fatty acids in healthy subjects and in diabetic patients

Following an intramuscular injection of ACTH to a group of healthy subjects a decrease was observed in the level of non-esterified fatty acids of the plasma, replaced by an increase in their concentration, whereas in a group of diabetes patients only a stage of decrease was observed under identical conditions. The most marked decrease in the concentration of non-esterified fatty acids in the plasma was noted in cases with a higher initial level. No quantitative relationship could be established between the decrease in the concentration of non-esterified fatty acids in the plasma was noted in cases with a higher initial level. No quantitative relationship could be established between the decrease in the concentration of non-esterified fatty acids and the increase in the amount of free 11-hydroxycorticosteroids of the plasma following an ACTH injection. The results of observations evidence the dependence of the ACTH administration effect on the initial condition of the organism, and agree with the hypothesis of a direct, extraadrenal mechanism of ACTH action on the level of non-esterified fatty acids of the plasma.