[Nasal application of a synthetic alpha1-18 corticotropin: an effective form of ACTH treatment (author's transl)].

The absorption of a synthetic ACTH-peptide (alpha1-18 corticotropin, Ba 41.795) via the nasal mucosa was investigated in twelve probands. After application of 1 mg into each nostril a rapid increase of the plasma cortisol was observed which returned to the initial value only after 7 hours. In two patients with rheumatoid arthritis and two patients with bronchial asthma who had been treated with regular steroid injections an attempt was made to replace the injections by nasal application. The same therapeutic effects could be obtained, but larger doses were required than when using injection therapy.