Effect of ACTH on the proliferative and secretory activities of the adrenal glomerulosa

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Abstract
The mitotic, trophic and secretory responses of the adrenal cortex to various preparations and doses of ACTH were investigated in the rat. 1-24-ACTH depot (Synacthen) elicited the highest mitotic and trophic stimulation. The mitotic stimulation occurred exclusively in the glomerulosa, the trophic stimulation occurred mainly in the fasciculata-reticularis and the functional stimulation was found in both, as indicated by the plasma aldosterone and corticosterone levels. The functional changes occurred first, the trophic changes later. Large ACTH doses inhibited cell proliferation in the fasciculata. The trophic action consisted in an enlargement of the adrenal, to a great extent in the fasciculata-reticularis and to a lesser extent in the glomerulosa. This enlargement was due partly to parenchymal cell hypertrophy, but also and mostly to stromal hypertrophy, especially hyperemia. The largest ACTH dose caused a considerable widening of the sinusoids of the fasciculata-reticularis and medulla, and possibly caused a loss of parenchymal cells in the reticularis. These effects are reminiscent of the well-documented hemorrhagic conditions of the adrenals in humans.

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