Adrenocortical hormone secretion at various time intervals after pinealectomy in the rat

Abstract

In vivo secretion rates of aldosterone and corticosterone were studied 30, 90, and 180 days after pinealectomy of male rats at ages 34–44 days. Aldosterone was significantly raised at 30 and 90 days but was normal at 180 days. Corticosterone secretion was significantly raised 30 days after pinealectomy. Body and adrenal weights were not changed by pinealectomy at any time during the study. Kidney weight was reduced at 180 days after pinealectomy but not at 30 or 90 days.