METABOLISM OF THE STEROID HORMONES: THE ADRENAL GLAND AS THE SOURCE OF CORTIN-LIKE MATERIAL IN THE URINE OF MONKEYS1

Abstract

Urinary cortin-like material has been studied in 9 intact, gonadectomized, adrenlectomized, and gonad-ectomized-adrenalectomized monkeys. This biologically active material was detected by means of its ability to protect the adrenalectomized rat against low environmental temps. The presence of urinary cortin-like material was demonstrated in about 1/2 of the assays attempted for intact or gonadectomized [male] or [female] monkeys. After adrenalectomy, no positive assays were obtained in any instance either in [male][male] or [female][female]. The adm. of adrenal cortical extracts to adrenalectomized monkeys invariably led to the excretion of significant amts. of cortin-like material. In only one instance was urinary cortin-like material demonstrable after the adm. of DCA to adrenalectomized monkeys. These results strongly suggest that the urinary cortin-like material has its origin in the adrenal gland.