STEROIDOGENESIS BY INTACT CALF ADRENALS PERFUSEDIN VITRO

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
THE biogenesis and secretion of corticoids by isolated adrenal glands perfused with homologous whole blood has been reported by Pincus et al. (1951) and Vogt (1951). The principal objectives of the present investigation were to establish relatively simple and defined experimental conditions under which steroidogenesis could be studied in intact calf adrenals perfused in vitro, and to modify these fundamental conditions in order to ascertain whether the adrenal cortex can adapt its secretory activity and respond directly to the alterations. Although the hypophyseal discharge of ACTH following a variety of stresses is generally recognized as an essential step in the series of events, which lead to marked acceleration of adrenocortical function, evidence has been adduced in support of the thesis that the cortical cells possess some autonomy and can respond independently of corticotrophic release to alterations in the “milieu intérieur” induced by stressful conditions.