Spinal Cord and Adrenocorticotropin Release.

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Abstract
Comparison of the effects of forepaw and hindpaw electrical stimulation in intact and cord-sectioned rats (1 week) indicates that in the absence of intact spinal paths adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) release fails to occur in response to hindpaw stimulation. ACTH release was determined by the adrenal ascorbic acid depletion method. The cord-sectioned rats and normal rats had similar initial adrenal ascorbic acid levels. Cord-sectioned rats responded to injected U.S.P. Standard ACTH with ascorbic acid depletions similar to 24-hour hypophysectomized rats. The evidence indicates that ACTH release is mediated by neural paths through the cord and not by peripherally released corticotropin releasing factors.