EFFECTS OF A BACTERIAL POLYSACCHARIDE (PIROMEN®1) ON THE PITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS: ADRENAL ASCORBIC ACID, CHOLESTEROL AND HISTOLOGIC ALTERATIONS

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Abstract
Effect of a bacterial polysaccharide complex, Piromen, on the pituitary-adrenal system of the intact and hypophysectomized rat are described. In the intact rat given a single, intraperitoneal injection of Piromen, the changes in adrenal ascorbic acid and cholesterol indicate that this bacterial product stimulates the release of endogenous ACTH. Certain qualitative differences between the ascorbic acid and cholesterol responses to Piromen and ACTH are discussed. In hypophysectomized rats ascorbic acid depletion does not occur following the administration of Piromen. This indicates that the pituitary gland plays an essential role in the endocrinal responses to Piromen. A comparison of the histologic changes in the adrenal glands with the chemical differences reveals some interesting variations in the adrenal response to Piromen and ACTH. It is postulated that Piromen induces increased adrenal cortical activity by virtue of a direct stimulatory effect on the pituitary gland rather than as a non-specific stressing agent.

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