A Differential Response of the Rodent Adrenal Gland to Acute Starvation

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Abstract
The morphologic response of the adrenal gland to comparable degrees of acute starvation (34-43% body wt. loss) was tested in female guinea pigs (290-320 g.) and adult rats of both sexes (150-250 g.) by subjecting them to complete food deprivation (water allowed) for 6-11 days. The response of the adrenal differed markedly in these rodents. The guinea pig adrenal showed absolute hypertrophy with increased solid content. In the rat, adrenal enlargement was a variable response and, when occurring, was characterized by marked discoloration and increased % of water. The solids were unchanged or decreased. The subcut. admn. of desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) in high doses (10-15 mg., daily, 7-10 days) decreased both size and solid content of rat adrenal in both fed and acutely starved animal of either sex. Similar treatment in the guinea pig failed to affect adrenal size in the fed animal, and was completely ineffective in preventing the enlargement of the gland in the starved guinea pig.

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