EFFECT OF LIMBIC STIMULATION ON RELEASE OF CORTICOSTEROIDS INTO THE ADRENAL VENOUS EFFLUENT OF THE CAT1

Abstract

Facilitatory and inhibitory influences on adrenal cortical secretion have been demonstrated after unilateral stimulation of selected limbic structures in acute encéphale isolé cat preparations. Thus, significant decreases in corticosteroid levels in the adrenal venous effluent were observed in 9 cats, 15 or 30 minutes after a single 30 second stimulation in the uncus, the lateral amygdala, the preoptic region, diagonal band of Broca, or the septum. Significant increases in corticosteroid levels were observed in 4 cats following stimulation in hippocampal cortex or in antero-mesial amygdala. No significant change in corticosteroid levels was seen in 3 cats during a one-hour period following stimulation in other hippocampal or amygdaloid areas. Thus, the limbic system would appear to contain separate components functionally related to inhibition or facilitation of ACTH release.