Blood Cell Changes Following ACTH Injection in the Chick.

Abstract

Injection of ACTH (1 IU) into 7-14 day old White Leghorn cockerels was followed within 24 hours by an acidophilia (heterophils and eosinophils); an absolute leucocytosis, heterophilia and slight lymphocytosis but no consistant changes in numbers of eosinophils, basophils or monocytes; and a slight decrease in hematocrit. Although there was a linear relation (P = < .01) between magnitude of acidophilia and dose of ACTH (0.5-4 IU), acidophilia was not a very precise quantitative indicator of ACTH; the magnitude and constancy of the acidophilia suggests its use as a qualitative indicator for ACTH and/or stressors.