THE EFFECT OF ACTH AND HCG ON ADRENAL STEROIDOGENESIS IN THE NEONATAL BABOON (PAPIO PAPIO)

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Abstract
Three, term newborn baboons (P. papio) were studied to determine whether differential responses to chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and ACTH exist with respect to cortisol (F), dehydroepiandrosterone (D), or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DS) secretion as judged by the serum level of these hormones. Serum F, D and DS levels were measured by radioimmunoassay 30, 15 and 0 min prior to constant i.v. infusion (120 min) of 12 IU ACTH, 2000 USP Units HCG or normal saline. Steroid concentrations measured on samples obtained during the infusion (30, 60 and 120 min) were averaged and compared with the average pre-treatment values. Statistical analyses were by analysis of variance with comparison of individual means by least significant difference procedure. Each animal was examined 6 times (day 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 of life) receiving each treatment twice in a staggered schedule. Mean serum concentrations (.mu.g/100 ml .+-. SD) of D, DS and F prior to treatment were 8.0 .+-. 3.8; 394 .+-. 196: 47.0 .+-. 18.7, respectively. ACTH, but not HCG, increased (P < 0.025) serum D, DS and F levels. The response of D and F to ACTH expressed as a per cent of pre-treatment values were similar .ltoreq. 100%) and greater (P < 0.05) than the mean DS percentage (29%) response. ACTH but not HCG is an adrenocorticotrophin in the baboon neonate. Since the effect of ACTH was not limited to C21 steroid hormone production, these results do not support the suggestion that the neonatal baboon adrenal exhibits a differential response to ACTH stimulation.

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