Studies on Adrenal Cortex of Pantothenic Acid-Deficient Rat. IV. Adrenal and Serum Cholesterol Levels ∗

Abstract

Summary

The 5-6-week pantothenic acid deficient rat shows a marked reduction in the total cholesterol content of the adrenal glands in the “resting state”. The serum cholesterols, however, were normal. These animals do not develop fatty livers. It is suggested that in view of previous functional studies on the adrenal cortices of such animals, that the reduction in the cholesterol content of the adrenal glands may represent a decreased synthesis rather than an increased utilization of this steroid for further conversion to hormone. It may be that coenzyme A, the functional form of pantothenic acid in metabolism is a necessary part of the enzymatic complement of the adrenal cortex which synthesizes cholesterol.