Abstract
Summary and Conclusions
The administration of estrogen to intact male rats for 40 days induces hypertrophy of their adrenal glands but has the reverse effect on their preputial glands. The latter effect is undoubtedly a result of the virtual cessation of endogenous androgen production. Alterations in the ascorbic acid content of these glands appear to be a reflection of the marked changes in their weight. Androgen treatment for the same period produces a slight but significant increase in the weight of the adrenal glands and a 2-fold increase in preputial gland weight. This effect on the preputial glands is predominantly a direct one, as it is seen also in hypophysectomized animals. In contrast, no direct action of androgen on the weight of the adrenal glands of hypophysectomized rats was observed. It was found that androgen administration reduces the resting level of ascorbic acid in the adrenal and preputial glands of both intact and hypophysectomized rats. Furthermore, this hormone somehow destroys the responsiveness of the preputial glands to the ascorbic acid-depleting action of a single injection of ACTH.
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