The effect of mechanical injuries of the cerebral cortex on the formation of adrenocorticotropic hormone by the hypophysis

Summary

A study was made of the effect produced by mechanical injury of the brain cortex (application of gauze tampons to the premotor and occipital areas under the dura mater of both hemispheres) on the adrenocorticotropic function in dogs. Changes in the latter function were assessed by the shifts in the androgen level in the adrenal cortex of hypophysectomized rats-recipients to which an extract of hypophysis of intact and experimental donor-dogs was administered. The initial androgen level in the recipient's adrenal glands was determined (for comparison) by its content in the left adrenal gland excised prior to the injection of the extract.

Administration of hypophysis extract of donors with bilateral injury of the premotor area of the brain cortex led to a marked reduction of the androgen content in the recipient's adrenal cortex pointing to a manifest reduction of the adrenocorticotropic function in donors. Analogous action on the occipital area of dogs (as distinct from rabbits) had no effect on the adrenocorticotropic function of the hypophysis.