Response of Serum Corticosterone to ACTH and Stress in the Zinc-Deficient Rat

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Abstract
The effect of Zn deficiency on in vivo synthesis and release of corticosterone was examined under 3 conditions, stimulation by exogenous ACTH and 2 types of physiological stress. The serum concentrations of corticosterone were elevated by i.p. injections of ACTH, but were not influenced by the Zn status of young male rats. Zn deficient male rats given an acute stress stimulus, exposure to diethyl ether vapors, responded with elevated levels of serum corticosterone that were no different from those of controls. Pregnant rats fed Zn deficient diets throughout gestation and then subjected to an acute stress stimulus, surgery under anesthesia, after parturition had serum corticosterone concentrations 50% lower than control rats treated similarily. Zn deficient pregnant rats given on the 19th day of gestation had corticosterone levels midway between the deficient and control rats. Young Zn deficient male rats respond with the normal release of corticosterone when challenged with exogenous ACTH or a simple physiological stress. Zn deficient female rats subjected to the severe stress of pregnancy, parturition and surgery show a subnormal response.

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