THE GROWTH OF THE ADRENAL GLAND OF LABORATORY AND FIELD VOLES, AND CHANGES IN IT DURING PREGNANCY

1963 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 1025-1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Chitty ◽  
J. R. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Adrenal Gland ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Adrenal Weight ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Gland Weight ◽  
Adrenal Gland Weight ◽  
Sexually Mature ◽  
Female Laboratory

In laboratory-bred voles of either sex which weigh more than 22 g, adrenal gland weight remains constant as body weight increases. Females have larger adrenals than males, this difference becoming accentuated after animals have become sexually mature. Adrenals of pregnant voles are larger than those of nulliparous animals, but do not increase in weight with increase in body weight. However, adrenals of field males and pregnant field females increase in weight with increase in body weight.Difference in weight between adrenals of male and female laboratory voles could be due to a reduction in size of the X zone of the adrenal cortex in males, brought about by androgens. But since, in the field, adrenal weight increases with body weight, it is supposed that further factors (e.g. effects of social interactions) are influencing the adrenal cortex of field animals.The increase in size of the adrenals of voles in their first pregnancy is associated with an increase in the size of the X zone. This enlargement itself increases as pregnancy proceeds and could be caused by a rising level of L.H. and (or) a decreasing titer of androgens.

scholarly journals Epimedium Flavonoids Counteract the Side Effects of Glucocorticoids on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianhua Huang ◽  
Jijun Li ◽  
Songbai Zheng ◽  
Junzhen Wu ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Adrenal Gland ◽  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Corticosterone Level ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Gland Weight ◽  
Adrenal Gland Weight

Our previous studies demonstrated that the epimedium herb, when simultaneously used with GCs, counteracted suppressive effects of GCs on the HPA axis without adverse influence on the therapeutic action of GCs. Here, total flavones were extracted from the epimedium flavonoids (EFs) and then used to investigate whether EFs provide protective effects on the HPA axis. We found that GCs induced a significant decrease in body weight gain, adrenal gland weight gain, and plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and corticosterone levels. After treatment with EFs, body weight gain, adrenal gland weight gain, and plasma corticosterone level were significantly restored, whilst plasma ACTH level was partially elevated. EFs were also shown to promote cell proliferation in the outer layer of adrenal cortex and to enhance the migration of newly divided cells toward the inner layer. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, the mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) was measured, and EFs significantly upregulated IGF-II expression. Our results indicated that EFs counteract the suppression of the HPA axis induced by GCs. This may involve both the ACTH and IGF-II pathways and thereby promote regeneration of the adrenal cortex suggesting a potential clinical application of EFs against the suppressive effects of GCs on the HPA axis.

Adrenal Gland Weight and Suicide

1993 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 563-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Stein ◽  
Ernest Mccrank ◽  
Betsy Schaefer ◽  
Robert Goyer
Keyword(s):  
Sudden Death ◽  
Adrenal Gland ◽  
Incidental Finding ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Adrenal Weight ◽  
Gland Weight ◽  
Adrenal Gland Weight ◽  
Significant Difference

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is an anatomical correlate, namely adrenal hypertrophy, among people who have commited suicide. The adrenal weights and other relevant information were collected prospectively from 118 consecutive coroner's cases of sudden death in the province of Ontario. No statistically significant difference was found between the adrenal weights of those who had committed suicide, whether violent or non violent, and those dying suddenly of causes not self-inflicted. This was true irrespective of the age of the subjects, their sex or the centre at which the autopsy was performed. This finding does not support the findings of an earlier report of increased adrenal weight in successful suicides. The incidental finding of increased adrenal weight in all subjects is of some significance.

ADRENALECTOMY AND PITUITARY LH IN THE OOPHORECTOMIZED SUCKLED RAT

1974 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 498-501
Author(s):  
E. Landers ◽  
W. C. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Adrenal Gland ◽  
Anterior Pituitary ◽  
Treatment Effects ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Gonadal Function ◽  
Significant Treatment ◽  
Gland Weight ◽  
Adrenal Gland Weight

ABSTRACT Oophorectomy of suckled rats caused a significant increase in pituitary LH content (214 μg/mg vs 156 μg/mg fresh anterior pituitary). Oophorectomized non-suckled rats were even higher (267 μg/mg). Adrenalectomy of oophorectomized suckled rats resulted in a highly significant decrease in pituitary LH (71 μg/mg) while treatment with flumethasone (0.125 mg/day) resulted in pituitary LH levels of 177 μg/mg. Except for a significant decrease in body weight and adrenal gland weight in flumethasone treated rats, no other significant treatment effects were noted. These results confirm the interaction of adrenal and pituitary-gonadal function in the post-partum rat.

scholarly journals Dietary sodium manipulation during critical periods in development sensitize adult offspring to amphetamines

2008 ◽  
Vol 295 (3) ◽  
pp. R899-R905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawna M. McBride ◽  
Bruce Culver ◽  
Francis W. Flynn
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Gland ◽  
Open Field ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Early Postnatal Period ◽  
Dietary Sodium ◽  
Critical Periods ◽  
Open Field Behavior ◽  
High Sodium ◽  
Gland Weight ◽  
Adrenal Gland Weight

This study examined critical periods in development to determine when offspring were most susceptible to dietary sodium manipulation leading to amphetamine sensitization. Wistar dams ( n = 6–8/group) were fed chow containing low (0.12% NaCl; LN), normal (1% NaCl; NN), or high sodium (4% NaCl; HN) during the prenatal or early postnatal period (birth to 5 wk). Offspring were fed normal chow thereafter until testing at 6 mo. Body weight (BW), blood pressure (BP), fluid intake, salt preference, response to amphetamine, open field behavior, plasma adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), plasma corticosterone (Cort), and adrenal gland weight were measured. BW was similar for all offspring. Offspring from the prenatal and postnatal HN group had increased BP, NaCl intake, and salt preference and decreased water intake relative to NN offspring. Prenatal HN offspring had greater BP than postnatal HN offspring. In response to amphetamine, both prenatal and postnatal LN and HN offspring had increased locomotor behavior compared with NN offspring. In a novel open field environment, locomotion was also increased in prenatal and postnatal LN and HN offspring compared with NN offspring. ACTH and Cort levels 30 min after restraint stress and adrenal gland weight measurement were greater in LN and HN offspring compared with NN offspring. These results indicate that early life experience with low- and high-sodium diets, during the prenatal or early postnatal period, is a stress that produces long-term changes in responsiveness to amphetamines and to subsequent stressors.

Effect of in Vivo Treatment with Delta9-THC on Mice Adrenal Gland

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
E. Moura ◽  
C. Esteves-Pinto ◽  
M.P. Serrão ◽  
I. Azevedo ◽  
M. Vieira-Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Gland ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Chronic Administration ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Gland Weight ◽  
Adrenal Gland Weight ◽  
Reduce Activity ◽  
Student’S T ◽  
Student’S T Test

Introduction:The efficacy of antidepressants has been linked in part to their ability to reduce activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; however, the mechanism by which antidepressants regulate the HPA axis is largely unknown. Recent research has demonstrated that endocannabinoids can regulate the HPA axis and exhibit antidepressant potential.Aim:The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the effect of chronic administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC) on the adrenal gland of mice.Methods:Delta9-THC (10 mg/kg, 1 THC:1 chremophor:18 saline) or vehicle (CT, 1 chremophor:18 saline) was administered i.p. for 10 days to C57Bl6 mice aged 15 weeks. At the end of the study rats were placed in metabolic cages. Noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (AD) levels in samples and tissues were evaluated by HPLC-ED. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA followed by Student's t test. Results are presented as mean±SEM.Results:Treatment with delta9-THC did not produce changes in mice weight (CT: 25±1; delta9-THC: 24±1 g, n=5-6) but produced a significant reduction in adrenal gland weight (CT: 1.4±0.2; delta9-THC: 0.6±0.1* mg, n=5-6, *P˂0.01). However, treatment with delta9-THC did not produce significant changes in NA and AD adrenal content (NA: 7.5±2.1, 5.3±0.6; AD: 14.1±1.1, 11.1±2.1 nmol, CT and delta9-THC respectively, n=5-6) or in NA and AD urine levels (NA: 0.88±0.06, 1.18±0.17; AD: 0.64±0.07, 0.81±0.09 nmol/24h, CT and delta9-THC respectively, n=5-6).Conclusion:Chronic treatment with delta9-THC reduces adrenal gland weight in mice. These results suggest that endocannabinoids may act directly at the adrenal gland to regulate the HPA axis.

Prenatal and early postnatal dietary sodium restriction sensitizes the adult rat to amphetamines

2006 ◽  
Vol 291 (4) ◽  
pp. R1192-R1199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawna M. McBride ◽  
Bruce Culver ◽  
Francis W. Flynn
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Gland ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Dietary Sodium ◽  
Behavioral Activity ◽  
Total Fluid Intake ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Psychomotor Effects ◽  
Gland Weight ◽  
Adrenal Gland Weight

Acute sodium deficiency sensitizes adult rats to psychomotor effects of amphetamine. This study determined whether prenatal and early life manipulation of dietary sodium sensitized adult offspring to psychomotor effects of amphetamine (1 or 3 mg/kg ip) in two strains of rats. Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) dams were fed chow containing low NaCl (0.12%; LN), normal NaCl (1%; NN), or high NaCl (4%; HN) throughout breeding, gestation, and lactation. Male offspring were maintained on the test diet for an additional 3 wk postweaning and then fed standard chow thereafter until testing began. Overall, blood pressure (BP), total fluid intake, salt preference, and adrenal gland weight were greater in SHR than in WKY. WKY LN offspring had greater water intake and adrenal gland weight than did WKY NN and HN offspring, whereas WKY HN offspring had increased BP, salt intake, and salt preference compared with other WKY offspring. SHR HN offspring also had increased BP compared with other SHR offspring; all other measures were similar for SHR offspring. The low-dose amphetamine increased locomotor and stereotypical behavior compared with baseline and saline injection in both WKY and SHR offspring. Dietary sodium history affected the rats' psychomotor response to the higher dose of amphetamine. Injections of 3 mg/kg amphetamine in both strains produced significantly more behavioral activity in the LN offspring than in NN and HN offspring. These results show that early life experience with low-sodium diets produce long-term changes in adult rats' behavioral responses to amphetamine.

CIRCADIAN PERIODICITY AND STRESS RESPONSIVENESS OF THE PITUITARY–ADRENAL SYSTEM OF RATS AFTER CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OF 6-HYDROXYDOPAMINE

1974 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 299-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. KAPLANSKI ◽  
A. M. L. VAN DELFT ◽  
C. NYAKAS ◽  
J. C. STOOF ◽  
P. G. SMELIK
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Adrenal Weight ◽  
Brain Serotonin ◽  
Central Administration ◽  
Serotonin Content ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Adrenal System ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
6 Hydroxydopamine

SUMMARY Injection of 250 μg 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the lateral ventricle of adult male and female rats resulted 1 week later in: (1) a lowered brain content of noradrenaline to 20% and dopamine to 40–50% that of control levels but no change in brain serotonin content; (2) a slight reduction in male and no change in female body weight; (3) no change in adrenal weight; (4) minor or no changes in diurnal pituitary–adrenal periodicity or in the responsiveness of this system to ether stress, laparotomy or exposure to a strange environment and handling. Dexamethasone blockade of the diurnal rise in adrenocortical activity was also unchanged. Intracerebral administration of 200 μg 6-OHDA to newborn male and female rats in three sequential doses of 40, 60 and 100 μg, resulted at 12 weeks of age in (1) a lowered brain content of noradrenaline and dopamine to 10% that of control levels but no change in brain serotonin; (2) a 30% decrease in body weight; (3) no change in adrenal weight; (4) minor or no changes in pituitary–adrenal periodicity nor in the responsiveness to ether stress and exposure to a strange environment and handling. When minor changes after 6-OHDA treatment of adult or neonatal rats were found, they always pointed to a stimulatory function of brain catecholamines in pituitary–adrenal activity. It is concluded however that a severe and chronic depletion of brain catecholaminergic systems has no important consequences for the normal functioning of the pituitary–adrenal system.

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