STEROIDOGENIC PROPERTIES OF EXTRACTS OF BEEF DIENCEPHALON¹

Abstract

Saline extracts of beef diencephalon were assayed in the decerebrate dog for steroidogenic activity. Acid saline extracts of whole diencephalon stimulated aldosterone and cortisol secretion. Neutral saline extracts prepared at room temperature were weakly active. However, neutral saline extracts of whole diencephalon prepared at 3° significantly stimulated aldosterone secretion without affecting the secretion of cortisol. Assay of extracts of parts of diencephalon demonstrated that the pineal complex contains the factor which stimulates the secretion of aldosterone.