THE BURSA OF FABRICIUS AND ADRENAL ASCORBIC ACID DEPLETION FOLLOWING ACTH INJECTIONS IN CHICKS

Abstract

SUMMARY Injections of both fast- and long-acting adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) were followed by depletion of adrenal ascorbic acid (AA) in 3-week- and 6-week-old chicks when the bursa of Fabricius had been removed. The speed of depletion was similar to that known in mammals. Intact birds did not respond in this respect to ACTH treatment. A marked involution of the bursa of Fabricius occurred in chicks treated with prolonged-acting ACTH. A depletion of the total AA content of the bursa was noted, without any significant change in its concentration in the tissue of the gland. The results of the experiments indicate that the bursa of Fabricius is involved in preventing the release of adrenal AA after ACTH treatment.