The compound ACTH4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 is a synthetic analog molecule of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) short fragment. That is free from hormonal effects and has neuromodulatory effects. We investigate the neuroprotective effects of ACTH4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 can lessen neurotoxicity against ketamine in neonatal rats by looking at BDNF expression in the cortex and hippocampus tissue as well as BDNF blood levels.

The compound ACTH4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 is a synthetic analog molecule of a short fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It is free from hormonal effects and has neuromodulatory effects. The immune-modulating and neurotrophic activity of the drug were shown to balance the state of anti-inflammatory and trophic factors (IL-IO, TNF-a, TGF-Pl, BDNF, NGF) over proinflammatory factors (IL-Ip, IL-8, CRP, LE) to increase the anti-apoptotic defense (Bcl-2 elevation), as well as to reduce the peroxidation process (increased SOD activity).

ACTH4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 also has neuromodulator characteristics to function as a neuroprotector in inhibiting the apoptotic process. Modulation by ACTH4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 will increase the levels of BDNF thereby inhibiting the process of apoptosis. Based on research by Gusev and Skvortsova, ischemic stroke patients who were given ACTH4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 showed increased levels of BDNF, decreased mortality, and reduced length of stay. Based on the description above, the researcher was interested in analyzing the effect of the administration of ACTH4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 on ketamine neurotoxicity in neonatal rats by assessing the level of BDNF.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Rattus norvegicus rats
• Male, seven days old, weighing 15-20 grams
• Spraque-Dawley strain, obtained from the Experimental Animal Care Unit

Exclusion Criteria:

• Animals that behave aggressively in observation by attacking other groups