Relation of the Adrenal to Glycogen Content and Respiration of Lymphoid Organs

Abstract

Adrenalectomy in the female rat results in a lowering of the glycogen content of lymphoid organs as well as liver. Respiration (tetrazolium reduction) of these organs is increased by adrenal removal. Chronic admn. of adrenal cortical extract (1-2 cc. daily) or epinephrine (200 [mu]g. daily) to adrenalectomized rats, restores the glycogen content and reduces the respiratory activity of the thymus, lymph nodes, spleen and liver. Similarly the hypertrophy of the thymus in the adrenalectomized animal is reduced by both hormones. Maximal effects are produced by the 2d or 3d week of treatment. By the 4th week, these effects of the hormones are no longer apparent. The demonstrated influence exerted by the adrenal gland upon lymphoid organ glycogen and respiration may be of importance in the general problem of resistance to stress.