INTERRELATIONS OF ADRENAL AND SEX GLANDS IN PARABIOTIC RATS

Abstract

Relationship between adrenals and gonads was studied in rats by means of parabiosis. Adult rats, [male] or [female], were united with castrated parabionts and the effect of gonad stimulation on the adrenal cortex was studied. Ovarian stimulation obtained by parabiosis caused hypertrophy of the adrenal cortex. On the other hand, stimulation of the testes by the same method caused atrophy of the adrenal cortex. The mechanism of these adrenal changes is discussed. The exptl. results obtained indicate that ovarian secretion has a stimulating effect on development and maintenance of the adrenal cortex, especially on the inner zones (reticular and fascicular). The testicular secretion has an inhibiting action on the same zones (reticular and fascicular). This means that the adrenal cortical function is in great part regulated by gonadal influences and is therefore of a sexual character.