Neonatal Cortisol Administration: Effect on Growth, the Adrenal Gland and Pituitary-Adrenal Response to Stress.

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Abstract
Summary 1. The effect of graded multiple doses of Cortisol (0.1-2.5 mg/100 g) on adrenal weight of 2-5-day-old and 30–33-day-old rats was compared. At all but the highest dose levels greater adrenal atrophy occurred in the infants. This suggests a greater sensitivity of the steroid feedback mechanism to cortical hormones during the early postnatal period. 2. The effect upon growth and development of a single massive injection of Cortisol (1 mg) on postnatal day 2 was studied. Severe effects on growth and physical appearance were observed and a characteristic “corticoid stigmata”and “corticoid runt”are described. The secretion of ACTH in response to stress was normal in the “runted”animals and ovarian cycles were maintained. Thymus weight was not disproportionately affected although the adrenal glands were somewhat enlarged. Brain cholesterol was decreased.

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