Effect of Salicylic Acid and Similar Compounds on the Adrenal-Pituitary System.

Abstract

Salicylic acid and a number of substituted salicylic acids cause a significant depletion of adrenal ascorbic acid which parallels closely the salicylate blood levels. Hypophysectomy prevents this effect of salicylic acid. Benzoic acid has an effect similar to that of salicylic acid, while several substituted benzoic acids, including p-aminobenzoic acid, are ineffective. Twelve aliphatic acids of different structure are also ineffective. By expressing the ascorbic acid concn. in % of that of saline-injected control animals, very uniform results are obtained. A specific action of salicylic acid on the anterior pituitary probably results in the production or release of increased amts. of adrenocorti-cotropin.