THE RELATION OF DIETHYL-STILBESTROL TO CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN ADRENALECTOMIZED AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS

Abstract

Fasted adrenalectomized rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain showed low carbohydrate levels and these levels were not improved following the administration of diethyl-stilbestrol. When such rats were maintained with 3 mg. of desoxycorticosterone acetate daily or small amounts of Eschatin, the blood sugar values were improved slightly and liver glycogen levels were unchanged. Adm. of diethyl-stilbestrol failed to increase the carbohydrate levels. Fasted hypophysectomized rats showed low carbohydrate levels which were not improved by adm. of diethyl-stilbestrol. The data indicate that diethyl-stilbestrol exerts its effect on carbohydrate levels by stimulating the release of adrenotrophic hormone from the hypophysis. This in turn stimulates the production of adrenal cortical hormone, of the type characterized by an atom of O2 on carbon 11, which produces the effects on carbohydrate levels that have been described in normal animals treated with diethyl-stilbestrol.