C14LABELED BACTERIAL POLYSACCHARIDE AND ADRENAL CORTICAL FUNCTION IN THE GUINEA PIG1,2

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The 17-hydroxycorticosteroids [17-OHCS] in plasma and bile and the ascorbic acid content of the adrenal have been studied following the administration of bacterial polysaccharide to the guinea pig. A single intravenous injection of the polysaccharide complex from K[lebsiella] pneumoniae evokes an elevation in the free 17-OHCS of plasma and bile which lasts 6 to 12 hours. The 17-OHCS response varies directly with the quantity of polysaccharide. The ascorbic acid content of the adrenal is decreased for a longer period of time. After several daily injections of polysaccharide the adrenal ascorbic acid does not return to control range for several days. The increased adrenal 17-hydroxysteroidogenesis following the injection of a large amount of polysaccharide declines while there is abundant polysaccharide in the plasma and while the adrenal is capable of responding to ACTH. The presence of bacterial polysaccharide in plasma when the plasma 17-OHCS have returned to normal range is discussed in relation to the pathologic effects of the bacterial polysaccharides.

This publication has 14 references indexed in Scilit: