Abstract
Summary
1. The effect of salicylic acid and similar compounds on the adrenal-pituitary system has been investigated. 2. Salicylic acid and a number of substituted salicylic acids cause a significant depletion of adrenal ascorbic acid. The only exceptions found so far are p-aminosalicylic and p-hydroxysali-cylic acid. 3. The SAL blood levels parallel very closely the ascorbic acid depletion of the adrenal. 4. Hypophysectomy prevents the effect of salicylic acid on adrenal ascorbic acid. 5. Benzoic acid has an effect similar to that of salicylic acid, while several substituted benzoic acids, including p-aminobenzoic acid, are ineffective. 6. Twelve aliphatic acids of various types did not produce a change in adrenal ascorbic acid. 7. The experimental results are interpreted as indicating a specific direct or indirect action of salicylic acid on the anterior pituitay which results in the production or release of increased amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone.
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