RELATION OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX TO VITAMINS A, B1AND C*

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Abstract
Seven to 11 animals for each test were used to determine the influence of cortical extract on deficiencies of vitamins A, B1 and C. Guinea pigs were used for the C exps.; rats for the A and B1. Given orally, cortical extract gave no protection against avitaminosis C and B1. Injected in-traperitoneally it improved growth curve and scurvy score in avitaminosis C, improved growth and delayed symptoms of avitaminosis B1, and did not delay symptoms in avitaminosis A. Adrenal weights increased in C- and B1-deficiencies, and decreased in A-deficiency. Single adrenalectomy increased the activity of the remaining gland to a degree greater than that of 2 normal glands for 3 weeks after operation. Cortin, or some unidentified substance in the cortical extract, probably aids in utilization of C and B1.