THE EFFECT OF OESTRADIOL ON THE RESPONSE OF HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED GUINEA-PIGS TO ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN

Abstract

SUMMARY 1. A method is described for the preparation and maintenance of hypophysectomized guinea-pigs. 2. Following hypophysectomy the response of female guinea-pigs to adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) as measured by the urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids (KS) and 17-ketogenic steroids (KGS) was reduced by 53% for KS and 59% for KGS. The decreased response was seen as early as 1 week after operation. 3. In the absence of the pituitary gland, oestradiol benzoate did not modify the response to administered ACTH as measured by the urinary excretion of KS and KGS.