A CYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX IN HYPO- AND HYPERTHYROIDISM1

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Abstract
In hypo-thyroidism, induced either by thyroidectomy or by 2-thioura-cil, the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex atrophies and its ketosteroid content is reduced. The zona glomerulosa is apparently more active than normal in both conditions, con -taining an augmented amt. of steroid after thyroidectomy but becoming at least temporarily exhausted with thiouracil treatment. In hyperthyroidism, induced by feeding thyroid powder, the zona fasciculata of the cortex hypertrophies. Its ketosteroid content becomes at first augmented and subsequently depleted. Abundant signs of cell death appear in the inner fasciculata. The zona glomerulosa becomes exhausted of ketosteroids. The changes in the zona fasciculata are attributed to a lowered output of adrenotropin in hypo-thyroidism and an increased output in hyperthyroidism. The increase in activity of the zona glomerulosa in the several conditions is tentatively attributed to alterations in salt balance resulting from the different treatments.