Effect of ACTH on Glycogenesis and Glycolysis in Hypophysectomized Rats

Abstract

In agreement with past workers the decreased content of glycogen in the liver and brain of hypophysectomized rats was restored to normal upon the admn. of ACTH. When glycogen was being synthesized the ATP was transformed to ADP and adenylic acid, while pyrophosphate was mostly in the form of ATP in the liver of hypophysectomized rats not given ACTH. It is suggested that the utilization of inorganic P is interfered with in hypophysectomized rats, and that this is due to adrenal insufficiency is indicated by the restoration effect of ACTH. Anaerobic glycolysis in the brain and liver of hypophysectomized animals was 20% below normal, but was restored with ACTH. Hypophysectomy was without effect on oxidative enzymes.