THE INFLUENCE OF HORMONES ASSOCIATED WITH PITUITARY-ADRENAL AND SEXUAL-CYCLE ACTIVITY ON PALMAR SWEATING

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Abstract
SUMMARY: 1. This work reports an investigation into the effect of hormones associated with pituitary-adrenal activity and the sexual cycle on palmar sweat activity. 2. The index of palmar sweat activity (p.s.i.) used was the number of active glands in 4 mm.2 of the pad of the right middle finger over the central whorl. 3. Groups of men and women aged 20–41 years made plastic prints of active sweat glands on the pad of this finger every half hour between 9.30 a.m. and 6 p.m., the substance under investigation or an inert control material being administered after the second print. 4. The p.s.i. was significantly depressed from 3·30 p.m. onwards following administration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and from 1 p.m. following that of progesterone. Gonadotrophin and various steroid hormones had no effect on the index, nor had ACTH when given to two women with Addison's disease who menstruated regularly. 5. It is suggested that ACTH depressed the p.s.i. by virtue of its stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex and the subsequent production of progesterone.

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