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Effect of prolonged treatment with tetracosactrin on hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal function in the rat
Author(s) -
HODGES J. R.,
MITCHLEY SUSAN
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1971.tb07216.x
Subject(s) - endocrinology , medicine , circadian rhythm , corticosterone , adrenocorticotropic hormone , hormone
Summary1 The functional integrity of the hypothalamo‐pituitary adrenal (HPA) system was assessed in rats after prolonged treatment with tetracosactrin. 2 Adrenal size and sensitivity to corticotrophin were increased. 3 Both the circadian rhythm and the stress‐induced increase in HPA activity were inhibited. The circadian rhythm recovered before the response to stress. 4 Tetracosactrin given after betamethasone treatment delayed the return of a normal HPA response to stress. 5 Suppression of HPA activity appeared to be the result of a direct action of tetracosactrin and not entirely due to the elevations in the plasma corticosterone concentration which it caused.