Dopamine-β-hydroxylase Activity in the Rat After Hypophysectomy

Abstract

Dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity in the rat adrenal gland decreases 53% three weeks after hypophysectomy. ACTH administration for 5 days causes the activity to increase. Large doses of dexamethasone do not affect the adrenal activity after hypophysectomy. Total cardiac DBH activity is decreased after pituitary ablation but, when expressed per g of tissue, is higher than in the hearts of sham-operated, agematched animals.(Endocrinology87: 894, 1970