Abstract
Subcutaneous injections to guinea pigs of pipradrol (Meratran), a drug having marked central effects but not exerting in usual doses a peripheral sympathomimetic effect, was not accompanied by stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. At the same time, amphetamine, producing central and peripheral sympathomimetic effects, and naphtyzin (sanorin), stimulating mainly peripheral adrenoreactive structures, increased the corticosteroid level in peripheral blood of guinea pigs. A similar effect was produced by 2 anticholinesterases[long dash]galanthamin and neo-stlgmine (proserin). On the other hand, amphetamine, galanthamin and proserin did not stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system in guinea pigs with midbrain sections. At the same time in these animals activation of the brain cortex was observed by electro-encephalography. In experiments in which anticholinesterases were used, besides EEG [electroencephalogram] activation, a definite fall of acetylcholinesterase activity was noted at levels above the line of brain transection. Evidence is presented indicating that increased adrenocortical function after amphetamine, naphtyzin, galanthamin or proserin administration is related to stimulation of peripheral adreno- and cholinoreactive structures. It may be suggested that epinephrine and acetylcholine also exert their influence on the hypo-thalamic-pituitary-adrenal system by stimulating peripheral chemo-reactive structures.