An analog of MSH/ACTH 4-9 enhances interpersonal and environmental awareness in mentally retarded adults.

In a double blind procedure, four doses (0, 5, 10 and 20 mg) of an orally active analog of ACTH/MSH 4-9 was administered to mentally retarded adults. Changes in behavior and in productivity were evaluated as subjects performed their job in a sheltered workshop. During the first week productivity suffered while behavior related to communication and sociability increased in clients receiving the peptide analog. During the second week, clients given the peptide were more productive and attentive to environmental events while differences in sociability stabilized. Five and 10 mg enhanced productivity of tasks requiring precision and concentration where 20 mg depressed performance of all tasks. Regression equations indicated that different doses of the peptide generated unique relationships between behavior and productivity with self-stimulation characterizing the clients given the peptide. The use of the peptide analog of ACTH/MSH as a potential treatment with the mentally retarded is encouraged by these findings.