Effects of stilbestrol on pituitary-adrenal function in male and female rats.

Abstract

SummaryStilbestrol administration produced apparently similar increases in pituitary and adrenal weights and losses in body weight upon comparison of male and female rats. Pituitary ACTH content was more than doubled in females and unchanged in male animals. Pituitary RNA and DNA were both unchanged in males, whereas RNA (but not DNA) was increased in females. Adrenal RNA was increased in both sexes while DNA was unchanged in males and decreased in females. Plasma Cpd. B levels after stress or ACTH were unaffected in males and markedly reduced in females. Biological half-life of Cpd. B was shortened and hepatic metabolism of the steroid enhanced in treated males. Opposite changes were observed in female rats. Adrenal steroidogenesis in vitro was inhibited in female rats. An increment in steroidogenesis was demonstrated in males per total gland whereas a decrease obtained per unit gland weight. Male responses became similar to those in the female by administration of a more potent dose of stilbestrol.