THE EFFECT OF RESERPINE ON HYPOTHALAMO‐PITUITARY‐ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION IN THE RAT

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Abstract
1 The effect of reserpine on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) function in the rat was investigated by the use of direct and indirect indices of pituitary adrenocorticotrophic activity. 2 Administration of a single dose of the drug induced prolonged hypersecretion of corticotrophin (ACTH). 3 Corticotrophin release in response to the drug no longer occurred after repeated daily injections, indicating that some form of ‘adaptation’ occurred. 4 The increase in HPA activity normally caused by exposure to cold was prevented by reserpine once ‘adaptation’ to the drug had been produced. 5 Inhibition of stress-induced ACTH release was due neither to depletion of pituitary stores of the hormone, nor to a corticosteroid feedback effect.