Eosinopenic Activity of Epinephrine in Adrenalectomized Mice

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A decrease in the number of circulating eosinophils 3 or 4 hrs. following an injn. of epinephrine was observed in 133 of 213 adrenalectomized mice. In this group 45% of the animals responded with an eosinopenia of 30% or more. This eosinopenic response was correlated with the presence of accessory adrenals or in a few cases with remnants of the adrenal cortex. The data reported were obtained from C57Br/cd mice, but preliminary surveys indicate that accessory adrenals are also found in other strains of mice. During a period of 75 days after adrenalectomy the eosinopenic response to epinephrine increased progressively. This response was not affected by castration. Following an injn. of epinephrine the eosinophils of adrenalectomized mice failed to respond to a 2d injn. of epinephrine administered 3 hrs. later. This refractory period occurred in all mice, including those possessing adrenal remnants. The epinephrine-pretreated mice did not show an eosinopenic response to ACTH, histamine, insulin, oils and various toxic materials. However, a quantitative response was obtained to adrenal 11-oxycorticosteroid hormones. Thus the eosinophils of these pretreated mice responded to cortisone, but not to epinephrine. This indicates that epinephrine must not act directly on the eosinophil cells but instead acts indirectly through a release of hormone from adrenal cortical tissue.