MECHANISM OF THE CHROMATOPHOROTROPHIC EFFECT OF ACTH

Abstract

The chromatophorotrophic effect of ACTH which, in the Addisonian patient does not require the presence of the adrenal glands, has been studied in the tree frog (Hyla arborea). Frog skin in vitro gave the chromatophorotrophic effect with solutions of ACTH. Slight reactions were produced by intermedin, pitressin and pitocin, while fifteen other hormones and thirty-eight amines gave negative reactions. There was a conspicuous difference between the effective concentration of ACTH in vivo and in vitro, the doses required for the in vitro effect being about a thousand times higher. Adrenalectomized, hypophysectomized, as well as intact frogs showed the full chromatophorotrophic effect.