DECREASE IN THE FORMATION OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPIN FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF EPINEPHRINE

Abstract

Epinephrine-HCl in oil (0.02 mg./lOO g. rat) given subcutan. to normal male rats of the Long-Evans strain decreases the amt. of ACTH in the pituitary and increases the level of ACTH in the body fluids. The same dose of epinephrine given to adrenalectomized rats either immediately after or 6 days after the operation decreases the ACTH both in the pituitary and the body fluids. Epinephrine may have a stimulatory effect on the secretion of ACTH from the pituitary mediated by the cortical steroids in the circulation and a direct inhibitory effect on the ACTH formation in the pituitary due to a partial constriction of the pituitary blood vessels.