Behavioral effects of Org 2766, a synthetic analog of the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (4–9), in 14 outpatient autistic children

Abstract

Fourteen children (12 infantile autism full syndrome present, 2 atypical pervasive developmental disorder) between 5 and 13 years of age participated in a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over trial. Each child received 20 mg Org 2766 (synthetic analog of ACTH 4-9)/day during 4 weeks, or placebo in a randomly assigned sequence. Drug effects were monitored by ethological playroom observation and by Aberrant Behavior Checklist ratings by parents and teachers. Data of the playroom observation pointed to an activating influence of Org 2766, as revealed by a significant decrease of stereotypic behavior and significant increases in "change toys," "locomote," and "talk." Checklist ratings did not show significant changes. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Differences in the Structure of Social Behaviour of Autistic Children and Non‐Autistic Retarded Controls

“…However, a thorough specification and detailed description of these deficits is a condition sine qua non to hypothesize and examine the psychological and neurobiological underpirmings of these deficits. Within the frame of this paper we limit ourselves to remarks on putative psychological mechanisms; discussions and speculations on relevant neurobiological issues may be found in Dawson and Lewy (1989), Van Engeland (1989), Buitelaar, Van Engeland, Van Ree & de Wied (1990), and Buitelaar et al (submitted).…”

Understanding on Neuroimmunology in Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…The clinical trials aimed at testing therapies that modulate the immune response in children with ASD have addressed mainly the use of steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin G, antibiotics, and vitamin D (Cannell 2008;Gupta 1999;Plioplys 1998;Pradhan et al 1999;Sandler et al 2000;Dalakas 1997;Shenoy et al 2000;Matarazzo 2002;Bradstreet et al 2007;Buitelaar et al 1990;Geier and Geier 2005). Understanding the biological effects of these treatments could probably provide a better background toward more effective conventional and alternative therapies.…”

Cognitive Enhancement

“…These findings supported the results of a previous double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 14 children (aged 5-13 years) with ASD. Treatment with ACTH (20 mg/day) was noted to improve stereotypic behaviors and enhance social interaction in the subjects (Buitelaar et al 1990(Buitelaar et al , 1992b.…”

“…Children with ASD have been reported to have both abnormal circulating levels and physiologic responses to ACTH (Hamza et al 2010;Marinovic-Curin et al 2008). Several controlled trials have reported ACTH to be well tolerated and result in improvement in ASD symptoms in some children (Buitelaar et al 1990(Buitelaar et al , 1992a.…”