The Effect of Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone on Aldosterone Production in the Rat

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Abstract
Aldosterone production in the rat is increased following one week of salt restriction. Maintenance of the aldosterone response to sodium depletion, depends upon the integrity of pituitary function. Two days following hypophysectomy of sodium restricted rats, adrenal weight, in vitro corticosterone production, and in vitro aldosterone production are decreased. Treatment with sub-cutaneous injections of purified porcine ACTH plus growth hormone maintains normal adrenal weight and function for two days following hypophysectomy. Treatment with sub-cutaneous injections of alpha-MSH plus growth hormone maintains adrenal weight for two days following hypophysectomy. Although aldosterone production by hypophysectomized sodium depleted rats treated with alpha-MSH and growth hormone is not maintained at normal levels, it is maintained at levels significantly higher than that of those seen in untreated hypophysectomized salt depleted rats. This effect cannot be ascribed to ACTH contamination of the MSH preparation as alpha-MSH alone did not maintain adrenal weight or corticosterone production in these rats. The effect of alpha-MSH and growth hormone mimics the previously reported effect of sub-cutaneous injections of whole pituitary glands into sodium restricted hypophysectomized rats.