Abstract
Adrenocortical function as influenced by various conditions was determined in male rats by measuring the in vitro production of corticosterone. Hypophysectomy, large lesions involving the median eminence of the hypothalamus or treatment with hydrocortisone or Nembutal (pentobarbital-Na) and morphine reduced corticoid production, while exogenous histamine or corticotropin increased production. The data indicated that in vitro corticosteroid production reflected the adrenocortical activity in vivo.