INFLUENCE OF CORTISOL ON TROPHIC AND CORTICOSTEROIDOGENIC ACTIONS OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN ON FOETAL ADRENALS

Abstract

The treatment of pregnant rats with corticosteroids caused fetal adrenal atrophy and decreased the corticosterone content of the adrenals. The direct effect of corticosteroids on the trophic and corticosteroidogenic actions of ACTH at the level of fetal adrenals were studied. Both effects of ACTH were compared in decapitated rat fetuses, with or without cortisol administration. The actions of ACTH were not influenced by cortisol treatment in fetal rats.