Evidence for a Role of the Supraopticohypophyseal System in Regulation of Adrenocorticotropic Secretion

Abstract

1. Hypothalamic lesions which block ACTH secretion, as judged by adrenal ascorbic acid depletion, adrenal weight, or blood ACTH concentration, uniformly destroy a significant fraction of the supraopticohypophyseal tract as evidenced by their location and the presence of diabetes insipidus. 2. ACTH secretion appears to be produced in these rats by large doses of pitressin. 3. Control of diabetes insipidus by small doses of pitressin, or the injection of epinephrine, histamine or pitocin does not produce significant ACTH secretion in such rats. 4. The results indicate that the supraopticohypophyseal tract may play a role in the regulation of ACTH secretion by release of antidiuretic hormone into the hypophyseal portal vessels.