INFLUENCE OF OXYCEL CORTICOTROPIN ON FATTY ACID AND GLUCOSE METABOLISM IN THE RAT1

Abstract

REPORTS have emanated from two laboratories showing that certain preparations of corticotropin have striking metabolic effects in both the rat and mouse. These include mobilization of depot fat to the liver, ketonemia, an increase in oxygen consumption, a depression of the R. Q., insulin resistance and a fall in the blood sugar (Astwood, 1955a,b, Engel, 1955; Engel and Engel, 1954; Rosenberg, 1953; Westermeyer and Raben, 1954). Certain of these responses have been demonstrable in adrenalectomized animals, indicating that they are not mediated by the adrenal cortex. In the past, they have been attributed to the pituitary fraction labeled growth hormone, but in our experience, as well as that of Astwood’s group, oxycel corticotropin has exhibited much greater stability and activity with respect to these metabolic properties than have those growth hormone preparations which have been available to us.