Adrenal Function in the Diabetic Mutant Mouse (Gene Symboldbm)

Abstract

Adrenal function in diabetes mutant mice with misty coat color (dbm) was investigated by measurements of serum corticosteroids, adrenal weights and adrenal corticosteroid content. The adrenal corticosteroid content was studied in obese-hyperglycemic mice (ob). In dbm-mice serum corticosteroid levels were elevated at the age of 5 and 12 mo., although adrenal weight was only significantly elevated at the age of 5 mo. Adrenal corticosteroid content was significantly lower in the 12 mo. old dbm-mice. In ob-mice the adrenal corticosteroid content was elevated at the age of 5 wk, 5 and 12 mo. In the dbm-mouse and the ob-mouse there is an increased functional activity of the adrenal cortex which may reflect a pituitary hypersection of ACTH, perhaps as a manifestation of a common hypothalamic disorder.