THE RELATIONSHIP OF DIET TO THE EFFECT OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE UPON URINARY NITROGEN, GLUCOSE AND ELECTROLYTES

Abstract

Normal cf rats were force-fed high carbohydrate, high fat and high protein diets in isocaloric amounts. Pure ACTH was given in 8 divided doses of 1, 3 and 8 mg. daily for 21, 21 and 10 days respectively. The effects of the hormone were studied in relation to diet. During the admn. of ACTH some of the rats on the high carbohydrate diet developed glycosuria. All of the animals excreted more NPN during treatment with ACTH, the most marked changes occurring in the high fat series and the least marked in the high protein series. ACTH inhibited growth and caused a loss of weight in most of the animals. The rats on the high protein diet showed the smallest response and the rats on the high fat diet the greatest response. All of the animals excreted more K during the admn. of ACTH but there was no clear relationship between the extent of response and diet. The changes in Na and Cl balance were small and irregular. Immediately following the beginning of ACTH injns. there was a small temporary increase in Na and Cl loss which may have been owing to chance. There was a striking hypertrophy of the adrenal glands and almost complete atrophy of the thymus. The extent of response was not shown to be related to the type of diet.