EFFECT OF EXOGENOUS CORTICOTROPIN ON THE HISTOCHEMICAL PATTERN OF THE HUMAN ADRENAL CORTEX AND A COMPARISON WITH THE CHANGES DURING STRESS

Abstract

Histochemistry of the human adrenal cortex following the administration of corticotropin was studied, and compared with the changes produced in it by stressing illnesses. Administration of corticotropin caused an alteration in cytology, in the lipid and cholesterol content, and in the ribonucleic acid (RNA) and enzyme content of the cortical cells. The changes closely resembled those found in conditions of stress. This supports the view that the adrenal changes in stress are the result of endogenous corticotropin production. The role of the adrenal lipids, RNA and dehydro-genase enzyme systems in steroid synthesis is discussed.