ADRENAL SECRETION RATES OF C-19 AND C-21 STEROIDS BEFORE AND AFTER HYPOPHYSECTOMY IN THE PIG AND THE DOG

Abstract

SUMMARY: (1) The adrenal secretion of androgens and of some intermediates of corticosteroid biosynthesis have been studied in immature pigs and adult dogs under anaesthesia. (2) Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the extracts of adrenal venous blood were performed by a combination of paper and gas chromatographic techniques. (3) In both species 1 1βOH-androstenedione, pregnenolone, progesterone and 1 1βOH-progesterone were secreted under stress conditions at a mean rate of approximately 20 μg./adrenal/hr.; this was somewhat more than aldosterone secretion and about one-fiftieth of the glucocorticoid secretion. (4) Within 2 hr. of hypophysectomy the secretion of all four compounds was decreased by more than 95%.