Relation of the adrenal to glycogen content and respiration of lymphoid organs.

Abstract

Adrenalectomy in the female rat results in a lowering of the glycogen content of lymphoid tissues as well as liver. Respiration (tetrazolium reduction) of these organs is increased by adrenal removal. Chronic administration of adrenal cortical extract or epinephrine to adrenalectomized rats, restores the glycogen content and reduces the respiratory activity of the thymus, lymph nodes, spleen and liver. Similarly the hypertrophy of the thymus in the adrenalectomized animal is reduced by both hormones. Maximal effects are produced at the 2nd or 3rd week of treatment. By the 4th week, these effects of the hormones are no longer apparent. The demonstrated influence exerted by the adrenal gland upon lymphoid organ glycogen and respiration may be of importance in the general problem of resistance to stress.