Endocrinology · 1947 · 179 citations · 0 references
Life SciencesEndocrinologyPhysiologyNeuroendocrinologyPsychophysiologyStress PhysiologyAdrenal HormonesHypothalamic-pituitary RegulationNeuroendocrine PhysiologyPituitary Gland FunctionPituitary HormonesStress EndocrinologyAcute StressAdrenal Cortex FunctionAdrenal Cortex PhysiologyAdrenocortical SecretionAnterior Pituitary Hormone SecretionEndocrine Stress ResponsePituitary PhysiologyPituitary-adrenal Interaction
THE EXCITATORY effect of non-specific stress upon the secretory activity of the adrenal cortex is mediated through the anterior pituitary. The effect is manifested promptly, there being an appreciable reduction in the ascorbic acid concentration of the adrenal within an hour following the beginning of exposure of the organism to noxiousstimuli. The present paper2 is concerned with the mode of action of acute stress in modifying the rate of elaboration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (A.C.T.H.) by the anterior pituitary. Previous studies on the regulation of pituitary adrenocorticotrophic activity have been limited to periods of stress long enough to affect measurable change in adrenal size.