THE ASSAY OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE

Abstract

Various protein prepns., some high in ACTH activity (Sayers'' method) and some without activity, were added to hog adrenal slices and homogenates, and their effect on the tissue and total ascorbic acid detd. All proteins tested caused a reduction in the total ascorbic acid, although control expts. without added protein failed to show significant changes. The previously reported effects of ACTH in vitro on adrenal ascorbic acid are therefore concluded to be a result of a nonspecific protein effect.