Abstract
The output per minute of 17-hydroxycorticostcroids was measured before and after partial thoracic inferior vena caval constriction in normal dogs and those with brain removal and isolated pituitaries. The “resting” control 17-hydroxycorticosteroid output was higher in dogs with brain removal than in normal animals. Both groups of dogs demonstrated a significant increase in corticosteroid output following caval constriction. It is concluded that partial constriction of the thoracic inferior vena cava is a strong stimulus to ACTH release.