THE EFFECT OF ALPHA-MELANOCYTE-STIMULATING HORMONE ON THE ADRENAL-CORTEX OF THE FETAL-RAT

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 79  (3) , 415-422
Abstract
The effect of .alpha.-MSH on the fetal adrenal cortex in rat was studied in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, an injection of .alpha.-MSH stimulated the adrenal cortex slightly. Treatment of the adrenal cortex with .alpha.-MSH in organ culture caused hyperfunctional change in the innermost layer of the cortex, the detection of which was done by EM. This treatment caused at the same time an increase in corticosterone in the culture medium. Comparison was made between .alpha.-MSH and ACTH with respect to their effect on the fetal adrenal cortex.