Changes in Patterns of Secretion of Corticosteroids in Rabbits after Prolonged Treatment with ACTH.

Abstract

The adrenal vein blood of untreated rabbits contains corticosterone as the predominant steroid component. A single dose of ACTH did not alter significantly the nature or amount of steroid output of the adrenal gland. When ACTH of porcine origin was given for 1 week, hydrocortisone as well as corticosterone were found in the adrenal vein blood in a ratio of 1:2. Administration of ACTH for 21-28 days led to the predominance of hydrocortisone In the adrenal secretion, and the ratio of hydrocortisone to corticoster-one was 4:1.