Fat Mobilization by Purified Corticotropin in the Mouse.

Abstract

Purified corticotropin and growth hormone both stimulate lipid mobilization from the epididymal fat depots of fasting mice. Hydrocortisone failed to induce lipid loss in intact mice and inhibited fat mobilization in adrenalectomized mice, indicating that the lipid mobilizing effect of corticotropin is not mediated by adrenal stimulation. Furthermore, inhibition of fat loss by hydrocortisone in adrenalectomized mice could be overcome by simultaneous administration of corticotropin. The results demonstrate an extra-adrenal action of corticotropin on fat mobilization in the intact animal similar to that induced by growth hormone.