THE EFFECT OF ADMINISTERED ADRENAL CORTICAL HORMONES ON THE LIVER GLYCOGEN OF NORMAL AND SCORBUTIC GUINEA PIGS.¹

Abstract

Considerable interest has developed concerning the role of cholesterol and ascorbic acid in the in vivo production of adrenal cortical hormones. This subject has been reviewed recently by Long (1947). Sayers, Sayers, Liang and Long (1946) have shown a rapid drop of the adrenal cholesterol and adrenal ascorbic acid in the rat and guinea pig with a simultaneous production of extra quantities of liver glycogen, when adrenocorticotropic hormone is administered. These decreases of cholesterol and ascorbic acid appear to take place only in the adrenal glands. These and other workers, including Levin (1945), have shown adrenal cholesterol changes in various states of stress. The indication, but not conclusive proof, is that cholesterol and ascorbic acid of the adrenal gland are utilized, either directly or indirectly, in the production of cortical hormones. Vogt (1948) in her studies of adrenal secretions in dogs and cats could show no correlation between the contents of ascorbic acid and of cortical hormone in the plasma obtained from the adrenal bloods.