EFFECTS OF THE THYROID STATE, SEASON AND CASTRATION ON THE ADRENAL GLANDS IN MALE RABBITS

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Abstract
SUMMARY: The influence of the thyroid state, season and castration on the weight of the adrenals of the young male rabbit at different ages has been studied. Administration of thyroxine in doses about 30–50% above the estimated rate of secretion of thyroxine for a period of 4 weeks resulted in a significant increase in the weight of the adrenals, while treatment with thiouracil caused a significant decrease in adrenal weight. Thyroxine, when injected in doses below or about equal to the estimated rate of thyroxine secretion, did not affect the weight of the adrenals. On the other hand, prolonged mild hyperthyroidism resulted in an insignificant decrease in the weight of the adrenals. The weights of the adrenals in experimental and control animals during the summer months were significantly lower than those obtained in the winter. This was probably due to a decrease in the rate of secretion of thyroxine which occurred presumably as a result of high environmental temperature during the summer. Castration did not affect the weight of the adrenals of 8-week-old male rabbits after a period of 4 weeks, but resulted in a significant increase in the weight of the adrenals after a period of 24 weeks. The possible existence of an interrelationship between the thyroid, adrenals and gonads is discussed.

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