EFFECT OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE UPON THE MITOTIC ACTIVITY OF THE ADRENALS IN THE INTACT IMMATURE FEMALE RAT

Abstract

Testosterone propionate is capable of stimulating the adrenal glands of the intact immature [male] rat. This stimulation is manifested by an increase in mitotic activity which is most marked during the first 96 hrs. after its adm. The location of the mitoses in the gland suggests that the cortical cells arise in the periphery of the gland and move inward as they mature; and that there is a correlation between histological and physiological activity. This increased mitotic activity parallels similar phenomena in the ovary, thyroid and parathyroid glands of the same animals. This, therefore, suggests a general stimulation of the ant. pituitary which in turn produces the observed changes in the peripheral organs of internal secretion.