INHIBITION OF THE RELEASE OF CORTICOTROPHIN FROM THE HYPOPHYSIS BY CHLORPROMAZINE

Abstract

The effect of administration of chlorpromazine on the secretion of ACTH was studied. Using adrenal ascorbic acid depletion of rats as an index, injection of epinephrine, histamine or norepinephrine promoted secretion in control rats pretreated with pentobarbital, but not in rats which were given both chlorpromazine and pentobarbital. The latter treatment also blocked response to unilateral adrenalectomy for 2 hours and partial inhibition was seen for an additional 6 hours. Chlorpromazine does not act directly upon the adrenal gland since following administration of ACTH there was no significant difference in the response of hypophysecto-mized rats treated with chlorpromazine and pentobarbital and those anesthetized only with pentobarbital. Although chlorpromazine inhibited the release of ACTH, it was not considered a suitable substitute for hypophysectomy.