Effects of Cortisone, Hydrocortisone and Corticotropin on Lipemia, Glycemia and Atherogenesis in Cholesterol-Fed Chicks

Abstract

Hydrocortisone markedly affected carbohydrate, protein, lipid and electrolyte metabolism of cholesterol-fed cockerels (intact, alloxanized and depancreatized). Despite steroid-induced diabetes and hyperadrenalism, associated with enhancement of hypercholesterolemic hyperlipemia, no hypertension or intensification of atherogenesis (aortic or coronary artery) supervened. Corticotropin (ACTH) produced similar effects. Cortisone was relatively inactive as a glycocorticoid in this avian species. Despite its apparently slight metabolic activity, however, it moderately elevated blood pressure and intensified atherogenesis.