Long-term trophic action of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone on the zona glomerulosa of the rat adrenal cortex

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Abstract
The effects of .alpha.-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (.alpha.-MSH) on the rat adrenal cortex were investigated by coupled morphometric and radioimmunological techniques. Short-term .alpha.-MSH administration provoked a significant increase in the aldosterone plasma level along with a notable lipid droplet depletion in zona glomerulosa cells. Long-term .alpha.-MSH treatment induced a notable hypertrophy of zona glomerulosa cells and a further rise in the blood concentration of aldosterone. .alpha.-MSH did not affect zona fasciculata morphology and corticosterone plasma levels. The possibility is discussed that .alpha.-MSh may be specifically involved in the control of the growth and steroidogenic capacity of rat adrenal zona glomerulosa.