DIURNAL RHYTHM IN THE ADRENAL CORTICAL SECRETION AND IN THE RATE OF METABOLISM OF CORTICOSTERONE IN THE RAT

Abstract
Plasma levels and adrenal production of corticosterone (ll[beta],21-dihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione) have been determined at different times of the day in male rats. Diurnal variations both in steroid blood levels and in adrenal secretion have been found. An attempt was made to study the rate of disappearance of the hormone in the morning, afternoon, evening, and at night.