Effect of ACTH on the composition of the aqueous humour of the rabbit eye.

Tetracosactide (Synacthen, Ciba) increases the concentration of corticosterone in the aqueous humour of the rabbit eye. The maximal increase, about 5-fold of the basal level, occurs with a slight delay of approximately 30 min after the maximally stimulated corticosterone level in blood plasma. Glucocorticoid elevation is paralleled by an increase of protein content and a slight rise of glucose in aqueous. A disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier by ACTH similar to the action of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone is suggested.