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The anticonvulsant actions of ACTH and corticosteroids in the treatment of infantile
spasms have been well documented during the past 29 years. In the past decade neuropeptides
have been studied intensively and an understanding of their actions has been gained.
Most of the actions of ACTH are well documented in animal experiments and cytochemical
studies. Some proceedings of modern steroid research are here reviewed. In the treatment
of infantile spasms, the principal mechanism of the therapeutic action of ACTH and
corticosteroids is unknown. Clinical data concerning their effects, site and mode
of action, on brain and CSF neurochemical activity are still scant and controversial.
Some mechanisms probably involved in the therapeutic effects are reviewed. It seems
that a disturbance of the central neural transmitter regulation at a specific phase
of brain development may be the underlying cause for infantile spasms.
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© 1987 Published by Elsevier Inc.
