Changes in Steroid Content of the Adrenal of Rats Following Prolonged Administration of Testosterone Propionate With or Without ACTH

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Abstract
Large doses of testosterone propionate were administered with or without ACTH to immature male rats over a period of 90 days, and the changes in the steroid and lipid contents in the adrenal glands were studied. The total lipid content (hexane soluble fraction) of the adrenals was increased following testosterone propionate administration. Although ACTH itself did not cause any increase in the total lipid content of the adrenals, the action of the androgen was potentiated. Testosterone propionate decreased the eorticosterone content of the adrenals in normal as well as ACTH-treated animals. It also lowered the elevated levels of 11-desoxycorticosterone and llβ-hydroxy-Δ4- androstenedione in the adrenals of ACTHtreated animals. The significance of the biochemical changes in the adrenal glands is discussed. (Endocrinology74: 187, 1964)