Changes in Patterns of Secretion of Corticosteroids in Rabbits after Prolonged Treatment with ACTH.

Edward H. Kass, O. Hechteb, I. A. Macchi, Thomas W. Mou

Experimental Biology and Medicine · 1954 · 95 citations · 0 references

Concepts

Abstract

The adrenal vein blood of untreated rabbits contains corticosterone as the predominant steroid component. A single dose of ACTH did not alter significantly the nature or amount of steroid output of the adrenal gland. When ACTH of porcine origin was given for one week, hydrocortisone as well as corticosterone was found in the adrenal vein blood in a ratio of 1:2. The administration of ACTH for 21-28 days led to the predominance of hydrocortisone in the adrenal secretion, and the ratio of hydrocortisone to corticosterone was 4:1.