Effect of Vitamin A Deficiency on 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activity and Corticosterone in the Rat Adrenal

Vitamin A deficiency in male rats had no effect on 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity or corticosterone concentration in the adrenal gland. Plasma concentrations of corticosterone were lowered little if at all by the deficiency. ACTH stimulation elevated plasma and adrenal corticosterone levels to a comparable extent in both control and deficient rats. These findings are contrary to the claim that vitamin A is required for synthesis of corticosterone in the adrenal gland of the male rat. (Endocrinology86: 693, 1970)