Regulatory Effect of Adrenal Cortical Extract on Elaboration of Pituitary Adrenotropic Hormone.

Abstract

Exposure of rats to a temp. of 3[degree]-5[degree]C for 1 hr. brings about a reduction in the ascorbic acid content of the adrenals. This reduction in adrenal ascorbic acid is a reflection of increased elaboration of adrenotrophic hormone by the pituitary under circumstances of stress. Pretreat-ment of rats with cortical extract one hr. before exposure to cold prevents this decrease in adrenal ascorbic acid. These results have been interpreted to mean that the rate of production of adrenotrophic hormone by the pituitary is regulated either directly or indirectly by the concn. of cortical hormone in the blood and tissues.