ACTH-Induced Renal Glomerular Disease in Intact,Adrenalectomized and Castrate Male Mice. ∗

Abstract

Summary

In 3 experiments of balanced design the ability of ACTH to produce renal glomerular disease in intact and adrenalectomized male mice was determined. The effects of castration on ACTH-induced glomerulnephritis were studied and the disease in males and females compared. Adrenalectomized mice were given 35 or 50 μg of hydrocortisone-acetate daily. Four units of ACTH daily for 10 days was used. ACTH-induced glomerular lesions exhibit marked increases in intercapillary mesangial material and deposition of intensely PAS+ material in the mesangial matrix and axial capillaries, and peripheralization and ballooning of capillaries. Four I.U. of ACTH daily induced the severest glomerular disease in non-adrenalectomized males, less in adrenalectomized mice and was unaffected by the presence or absence of the testes. ACTH affected the glomeruli of intact and adrenalectomized male and female mice similarly with respect to control values. Two preparations of ACTH, one assaying 60-80 and the other 110 I.U. per mg, produced similar renal disease. It was concluded that ACTH affected both sexes equally; that its effect was greatest in intact and significantly less in adrenalectomized mice.