Effects of Thyroidectomy and of Thiouracil on Adrenal Weight and Ascorbic Acid

Abstract

The administration of thiouracil to the male rat results in a pronounced atrophy of the adrenal glands and an initial increase in ascorbic acid concentration in the adrenals followed by a return to normal values. Surgical thyroidectomy produces a less pronounced adrenal atrophy but a greater adrenal inhibition as revealed by a final decrease in adrenal ascorbic acid concentration. The effects of both types of induced hypothyroidism on the adrenals may be prevented by the administration of thyroxin. It is concluded that adrenal ascorbic acid concentrations are reliable indices of adrenocortical activity only if interpreted in terms of change in adrenal size.