Influence of Epinephrine on the Plasma Content of 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids

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Abstract
The influence of epinephrine on the circulating levels of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids was investigated in adrenalectomized rats given cortisone acetate, and in intact rats given ACTH. The data indicate that epinephrine fails to significantly alter the circulating levels of these compounds. The influence of epinephrine, and of ACTH on the in vitro metabolism of cortisone was also studied. These factors failed to alter the metabolism of cortisone by in vitro preparations of liver slices. Epinephrine injection into intact rats failed to increase the level of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in the plasma. ACTH injection into intact rats resulted in a marked and significant rise in the levels of these steroids. These data are discussed in relation to the role of epinephrine in steroid metabolism and in the activation of the pituitary-adrenal axis.