Hypertrophy of the Interrenal Tissue in Sexually Maturing Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) and the Effect of Gonadectomy

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Abstract
Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) develop marked hypertrophy of the interrenal tissue during the period of sexual maturation and spawning. No differences were found between fish held in captivity and those that matured in their natural habitat. Feeding appeared to have an inhibitory effect, but did not prevent the hypertrophy. Gonadectomy of sexually mature fish resulted in a rapid involution of the hyperplastic interrenal tissue. On the other hand, gonadectomy, when performed in an early stage of sexual maturity, prevented the development of interrenal hypertrophy. The interrenal hyperplasia was not accompanied by apparent changes in the ACTH cells of the pituitary gland. Gonadectomy, however, led to increased affinity of these cells for lead-hematoxylin, but this effect did not take place until after interrenal involution had commenced. The results are discussed and it is concluded that the hypertrophy of the interrenal at this time is caused by gonadal hormones, which may act directly on the adrenal homologue without mediation by the pituitary gland.

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