THE EFFECT OF ACTH, CORTISONE, DESOXYCORTICOSTERONE, AND ACTH PLUS THYROID ON THE AMYLOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF THE PANCREAS IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED AND INTACT RATS

After hypophysectomy the pancreas was reduced in weight and its amylolytic activity decreased. This activity was restored partially by the administration of ACTH or by cortisone, but desoxycorticosterone was without significant effect. When both ACTH and desiccated thyroid were given together, complete restoration of pancreas weight per unit of body weight was achieved but amylolytic activity, though significantly increased over the levels found in the hypophysectomized animals, was still below that found in intact pair-fed controls. It appears that part of the pituitary influence in maintaining the exocrine pancreas is mediated through the adrenal cortex and that the 11-oxygenated steroids are involved in this effect.