Tissue concentrations of manganese and adrenal function

Abstract

The possible endocrine regulation of Mn metabolism was investigated by studying the effects of ACTH or cortisol administration, and those of adrenal-ectomy, on the excretion and tissue distribution of radioactive and stable manganese (Mn54 and Mn55). Adrenal cortical stimulation with ACTH led to a shift of radioisotope from the liver to the carcass, similar to that described after administration of glucocorticoid hormones. The concentration of stable manganese (Mn ) was measured as a function of dietary intake by means of neutron activation. This showed a considerable stability in the liver and diaphragm over a wide range of Mn intakes. Adrenalectomy did not alter these tissue concentrations, except in animals receiving high Mn intakes. In these, the 2 organs contained higher concentrations of the metal following adrenalectomy. The conclusions drawn from these studies are that the concentrations of Mn in tissues are constant and quite stable but that their stability cannot be ascribed as yet solely to the function of the adrenal cortical hormones.