Effects of Cortisone, Hydrocortisone and Corticotropin on Lipemia, Glycemia and Atherogenesis in Cholesterol-Fed Chicks

Abstract

Hydrocortisone (Compound F) in moderate doses induced marked sustained hyperadrenocorticism in cholesterol-fed cockerels (intact, alloxanized and depancreatized), including typical 11, 17_oxysteroid effects on carbohydrate, protein, lipid and electrolyte metabolism. Despite steroid-induced diabetes and enhancement of hypercholesterolemic hyperlipemia, no intensification of aorta or coronary atherogenesis supervened. Long-acting corticopropin in large doses induced moderate sustained hyperadrenocorticism in cholesterol-fed cockerels, with a pattern of biochemical-physiologic-pathologic alterations similar to that effected by compound F. Cortisone in large doses was relatively inactive in this avian species, exerting no significant effects on carbohydrate, protein, lipid or electrolyte metabolism. No increase of hypercholesterolemic hyperlipemia was observed. Nevertheless, moderate intensification of aorta and coronary atherogenesis occurred, in association with moderate hypertensive effects by this corticoid in chicks.