Adrenocortical Hormone Production Research Articles

SAT267 BMP4, GDF11 And TGFβ2 Repress Adrenal Cell Cortisol Production By Blocking CYP17A1 And CYP11B1 Expression

Abstract Disclosure: E.C. Fischbach: None. A. Lopez: None. M. Ullenbruch: None. J. Rege: None. W.E. Rainey: None. Introduction: The adrenal cortex is responsible for the biosynthesis of multiple steroid hormones that regulate electrolyte and carbohydrate balance. Cortisol, the principal glucocorticoid in humans, is primarily produced in the middle zone of the cortex known as the zona fasciculata (ZF). The enzymes responsible for cortisol biosynthesis include cytochrome P450c17 (17α-hydroxylase), encoded by CYP17A1 and cytochrome P450c11 (11β-hydroxylase), encoded by CYP11B1. Several paracrine/autocrine regulators, including members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily, have been implicated in controlling adrenocortical cell homeostasis and steroid hormone production. Previously, we reported a bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) expression gradient in the adrenal cortex with higher levels in the zona glomerulosa (ZG) and outer ZF compared to the zona reticularis (ZR). In this study, we sought to compare adrenal expression of members of the TGFβ family including BMP4, growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), and transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFβ2), and determine their effect on adrenal cell cortisol biosynthesis. Methods: Growth factor mRNA levels were studied using microarray analysis of laser captured ZG, ZF and ZR from human adrenals. The adrenal cell line, HAC15 was used to determine the effects of the TGFβ family members alone and in combination. Output measures included cell cortisol production and mRNA levels of steroidogenic enzymes using ELISA and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Results: Microarray analysis indicated higher mRNA levels of BMP4, GDF11 and TGFβ2 in the ZG compared with the ZF and ZR regions of the adrenal. Treatment of HAC15 cells with either BMP4 (50 ng/mL), GDF11 (50 ng/mL) or TGFβ2 (10 ng/mL) significantly inhibited cortisol production, as well as CYP11B1 and CYP17A1 mRNA levels. The inhibition was observed under basal and forskolin-stimulated conditions. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects on cortisol production and enzyme expression were additive when factors were added together. Summary: Overall, our findings suggest that the human adrenal has a gradient of multiple members of the TGFβ family. The additive action of these growth factors on adrenal cell differentiation may explain, in part, the inability of the ZG to produce cortisol and its low expression of CYP11B1 and CYP17A1. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

FRI222 Large Non-functional Adrenocortical Carcinoma In A Patient With History Of Occupational Radiation Exposure

Abstract Disclosure: A. Makawi: None. G. Elshimy: None. N. Martinez de Andino: None. A. Bolduc: None. Introduction: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with an incidence of 0.1-2.0 cases/per million per year. Up to 70% of tumors present with biochemically apparent adrenocortical hormone production. Diagnosis requires investigation of clinical, biological, and imaging features with measurement of steroid hormones key for evaluation. Anderson’s syndrome is commonly seen. Research has shown ACC is driven by several molecular changes that include the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and activation of different oncogenes, DNA mutations, and epigenetic changes. The widely used staging of ACC is by the European Network of Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENSAT) as it is correlated with clinical outcomes. Here we present a case of a non-secretory ACC noted for 10 years with growth up to 7.5 cm in a patient with history of occupational radiation exposure. Case Presentation: Patient is a 57-year-old white male with history of colon polyps, basal and squamous cell carcinoma, and hypertension diagnosed 10 years prior, on amlodipine 5 mg and lisinopril 20 mg daily who presented to adrenal clinic for evaluation of a 7cm left adrenal mass that had grown from 1.8cm 10 years prior, to 5.7cm 7 years later to 7.5cm at time of surgery. He had symptoms of fatigue and occasional lightheadedness with no other signs or symptoms of Cushing's or pheochromocytoma. Family history noncontributory. He has a history of occupational exposure to radiation working at a nuclear reactor. Workup for adrenal incidentaloma included assays of serum normetanephrine which was increased at 1.2 nmol/L (reference <0.9 nmol/L) with normal metanephrine less than 0.20 nmol/L, normal DHEA-S of 52 mcg/dL, normal ACTH of 16 pg/mL and negative 1mg dexamethasone suppression test with serum cortisol suppressed to 0.78 mcg/dL. CT scan adrenal protocol showed a heterogeneous 7.7x6.6 cm left adrenal mass with 30 HU, with an absolute adrenal washout of 39% and relative washout of 31.4%. He then underwent left adrenalectomy on 12/16/2022. The tumor measured 7.5cm with pathology of low-grade ACC with staging of pT3. Margins were negative for carcinoma but microscopic angioinvasion and capsular invasion were noted. Postoperatively, the patient had resolution of his symptoms with marked improvement in BP. We continue to follow him in clinic for postoperative management. He has been referred for genetic testing with results pending. Discussion: The prognosis of ACC has been believed to be poor due to the low prevalence and sample size of ACC patients, but recent studies have shown that ACC presentation, survival, and prognosis are heterogeneous. Only 20-30% of ACC are nonfunctional. It is important to note that only 30% of ACC cases are curable at early stages, further impacting the poor prognosis. The goal of this report is to bring further attention to the timely assessment and personalized management of ACC given the evolving knowledge base. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Clinical Characteristics and Long-Term Outcomes of Adrenal Tumors in Children and Adolescents.

Adrenal tumors are generally rare in children and can be a part of familial cancer syndrome. This research was conducted to examine the clinical outcomes, histopathological results, and genetic etiologies of adrenal tumors in children and adolescents. Thirty-one children and adolescents with adrenal tumors were included. Data on clinical outcomes and endocrine and radiologic results were retrospectively analyzed. Molecular analysis was conducted in select patients according to their phenotype and family history. The median age at diagnosis was 7.9 years (range: 0.8-17.8 years) with 5.1±1.8 cm of maximum tumor diameter. Adrenal adenoma (n=7), carcinoma (n=5), borderline (n=2), isolated micronodular adrenocortical disease (n=2), pheochromocytoma (n=8), paraganglioma (n=3), and ganglioneuroma (n=4) are all pathological diagnoses. The most common presenting symptom was excess production of adrenocortical hormones (n=15), including virilization and Cushing syndrome. Non-functioning adrenocortical tumors were found in a patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Genetic etiologies were identified in TP53 (n=5), VHL (n=4), and PRKACA (n=1). Patients with mutations in TP53 were young (1.5±0.5 years) and had large masses (6.1±2.3 cm). This study describes clinical outcomes and the pathological spectrum of adrenal tumors in children and adolescents. Adrenocortical tumors mostly presented with an excess of the adrenocortical hormone. Patients with genetic defects presented at a young age and large size of tumors, necessitating genetic testing in patients at a young age.

A Study on the Effect and Prevention of Blue Light on Eyes

Abstract: In recent years, large number of people complaining about rteh effects of light pollution on their eyes. Blue light with the wavelength range between 415nm and 455nm is much nearly related with eye damage in the visible range. High energy blue light damages the hormonal balance and negatively impacts sleep quality by passing from the cornea to retina. Here it led to many types of disease such as cataract, age related degeneration and dry eye. It also stimulates the brain, inhibits melatonin secretion, and increases the production of adrenocortical hormones. Consequently, the impact of Blu-rays on the eye is growing in significance going forward. The effects of blue light on ocular tissues are highlighted in this study, along with a summary of the studies on eye injuries, physical preventative measures, and medical care.

Adrenal Rests in the Uro-genital Tract of an Adult Population

Ectopic adrenal rests are a rare condition which can be found in various sites, generally in the retroperitoneum or pelvis along the path of gonadal descent. Their real prevalence is unknown. Males are more commonly affected, at least in the pediatric age. Adrenal rests are usually clinically silent and incidentally found in surgical samples, mostly in the pediatric population, and rarely in adults. With the aim of increasing knowledge and estimating the prevalence of ectopic adrenocortical tissue in the adult population, 44 adrenal rests in the urogenital tract of 40 adults are described. These represent approximately 0.07% of the total number of urogenital and gynecological surgeries performed in the 22 considered years. Adrenal rests were identified in the spermatic cord (10 males) and in paraovarian, parasalpingeal, or infundibulopelvic ligament locations (30 females). All but one was incidental findings. One case regarded an adrenocortical carcinoma arisen in adrenal rests. A literature review of adrenal ectopia in the urogenital tract of adults identified 57 reported cases from 53 patients, with similar clinicopathological features as those of our series, with the exception of a lower incidence of parasalpingeal locations. Despite their limited clinical implications, awareness of ectopic adrenal rests is essential also in adults for at least two reasons: (a) to correctly identify sources of adrenocortical hormone production in case of adrenal insufficiency or hormonal imbalance and (b) to avoid misinterpretations in the diagnostic workup of renal cell carcinoma, adrenocortical tumors, and rare gonadal neoplasms, including Sertoli/Leydig cell tumors.

Melanocortin 2 Receptor Antagonists in Canine Cushing’s Disease: In Vitro Studies

Melanocortin 2 receptor antagonists in canine Cushing’s disease: in vitro studiesCushing’s disease (CD), caused by an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma, is one of the most common endocrinopathies in dogs. The current medical treatment options involve adrenocortical steroid synthesis inhibitors, but a selective targeted approach to block ACTH receptor at its receptor would be much more attractive. The objective of this study was to preclinically investigate the effect of MC2R antagonists on adrenocortical hormone production, cell viability, and mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes in canine primary adrenocortical cell cultures from adrenal glands of healthy dogs. Three different MC2R antagonists were used: CRN.1, CRN.2, and CRN.4. Canine primary adrenocortical cell cultures (n = 8) were incubated with 50 nM ACTH for 24h, to mimic CD. Thereafter, 10 nM (IC50) and 2 μM (maximal concentration) of CRN.1, CRN.2, and CRN.4 were added. The two concentrations were established based on preliminary studies. After 24 hours of incubation, adrenocortical hormone concentrations were measured in the culture medium using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RNA was isolated from the cells using the RNeasy Microkit (Qiagen) for subsequent real-time quantitative PCR analysis. Cell viability was assessed after 24 hours of incubation using alamarBlue™ Cell Viability Reagent. All CRN compounds effectively inhibited cortisol concentrations, while leaving aldosterone concentrations unaffected. In incubations with a maximal concentration of the three compounds, cortisol concentration decreased to undetectable levels. The mRNA expression levels of steroidogenic enzymes StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, HSD3B2, CYP21, and CYP11B were significantly inhibited in most conditions when compared to the ACTH-stimulated control. The mRNA expression of melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP) was suppressed as well. Cell viability was not affected by CNR.1 or CNR.4, but was slightly inhibited by CRN.2. In summary, canine adrenocortical cell culture is a useful model system for drug testing. Incubation with MC2R antagonists demonstrated the potential of CNR.1 and CNR.4 as new treatment options for CD. Future in vivo studies in dogs with spontaneous CD are indicated.

Research progress about the effect and prevention of blue light on eyes.

In recent years, people have become increasingly attentive to light pollution influences on their eyes. In the visible spectrum, short-wave blue light with wavelength between 415 nm and 455 nm is closely related to eye light damage. This high energy blue light passes through the cornea and lens to the retina causing diseases such as dry eye, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, even stimulating the brain, inhibiting melatonin secretion, and enhancing adrenocortical hormone production, which will destroy the hormonal balance and directly affect sleep quality. Therefore, the effect of Blu-rays on ocular is becoming an important concern for the future. We describe blue light's effects on eye tissues, summarize the research on eye injury and its physical prevention and medical treatment.

Abiraterone Acetate for Cushing Syndrome: Study in a Canine Primary Adrenocortical Cell Culture Model.

Abiraterone acetate (AA) is a potent inhibitor of steroidogenic enzyme 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1). AA is approved for the treatment of prostate cancer but could also be used to treat patients with Cushing syndrome (CS). Similar to humans, canine glucocorticoid synthesis requires CYP17A1, providing a useful animal model. The objective of this study was to preclinically investigate the effect of AA on adrenocortical hormone production, cell viability, and mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes in canine primary adrenocortical cell cultures (n = 9) from the adrenal glands of nine healthy dogs. The cells were incubated with AA (0.125 nM to 10 μM) for 72 hours under basal conditions and with 100 nM ACTH(1-24). Adrenocortical hormone concentrations were measured in culture medium using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, RNA was isolated from cells for subsequent real-time quantitative PCR analysis, and cell viability was assessed with an alamarBlue™ assay. AA reduced cortisol (IC50, 21.4 ± 4.6 nM) without affecting aldosterone under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions. AA increased progesterone under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions but reduced corticosterone under basal conditions, suggesting concurrent inhibition of 21-hydroxylation. AA did not affect the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes and did not inhibit cell viability. In summary, primary canine adrenocortical cell culture is a useful model system for drug testing. For the treatment of CS, AA may to be superior to other steroidogenesis inhibitors due to its low toxicity. For future in vivo studies, dogs with endogenous CS may provide a useful animal model.

Analysis of ORP2-knockout hepatocytes uncovers a novel function in actin cytoskeletal regulation.

ORP2 is implicated in cholesterol transport, triglyceride metabolism, and adrenocortical steroid hormone production. We addressed ORP2 function in hepatocytes by generating ORP2-knockout (KO) HuH7 cells by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, followed by analyses of transcriptome, F-actin morphology, migration, adhesion, and proliferation. RNA sequencing of ORP2-KO cells revealed >2-fold changes in 579 mRNAs. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) uncovered alterations in the following functional categories: cellular movement, cell-cell signaling and interaction, cellular development, cellular function and maintenance, cellular growth and proliferation, and cell morphology. Many pathways in these categories involved actin cytoskeleton, cell migration, adhesion, or proliferation. Analysis of the ORP2 interactome uncovered 109 putative new partners. Their IPA analysis revealed Ras homolog A (RhoA) signaling as the most significant pathway. Interactions of ORP2 with SEPT9, MLC12, and ARHGAP12 were validated by independent assays. ORP2-KO resulted in abnormal F-actin morphology characterized by impaired capacity to form lamellipodia, migration defect, and impaired adhesion and proliferation. Rescue of the migration phenotype and generation of typical cell surface morphology required an intact ORP2 phosphoinositide binding site, suggesting that ORP2 function involves phosphoinositide binding and transport. The results point at a novel function of ORP2 as a lipid-sensing regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, with impacts on hepatocellular migration, adhesion, and proliferation.-Kentala, H., Koponen, A., Kivelä, A. M., Andrews, R., Li, C., Zhou, Y., Olkkonen, V. M. Analysis of ORP2-knockout hepatocytes uncovers a novel function in actin cytoskeletal regulation.

Adrenocortical hypertension

Primary aldosteronism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's syndrome, glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism, and corticotropin-dependent forms of adrenal pathology can cause hypertension by excessive production of adrenocortical hormones. Although traditional biochemical assays continue to be used, genetic testing has simplified the diagnosis of glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism. Also new interventional radiologic approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of corticotropin-dependent forms of Cushing's syndrome are available. Medical and surgical approaches, however, still remain viable options for treatment.

Adrenocortical hypertension.

Primary aldosteronism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's syndrome, glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism, and corticotropin-dependent forms of adrenal pathology can cause hypertension by excessive production of adrenocortical hormones. Although traditional biochemical assays continue to be used, genetic testing has simplified the diagnosis of glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism. Also, new interventional radiologic approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of corticotropin-dependent forms of Cushing's syndrome are available. Medical and surgical approaches, however, still remain viable options for treatment.

Corticosteroid synthesis and metabolism in birds

A review of avian adrenal gland structure and adrenocortical hormone production is provided. Glucocorticoid synthesis, transport, secretion, and clearance are discussed. An overview of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the regulation of adrenocortical function, and the change in adrenocortical function with development, is given. The diurnal rhythm of corticosterone concentration and the effects of corticosterone on metabolism, the immune system, avian behavior, and electrolyte balance are reviewed. Corticosteroid use in birds is contrasted with use in mammals, and general clinical recommendations regarding corticosteroid administration to birds are made.

The roles of placental growth hormone and placental lactogen in the regulation of human fetal growth and development.

The human growth hormone (hGH)/human placental lactogen (hPL) gene family, which consists of two GH and three PL genes, is important in the regulation of maternal and fetal metabolism and the growth and development of the fetus. During pregnancy, pituitary GH (hGH-N) expression in the mother is suppressed; and hGH-V, a GH variant expressed by the placenta, becomes the predominant GH in the mother. hPL, which is the product of the hPL-A and hPL-B genes, is secreted into both the maternal and fetal circulations after the sixth week of pregnancy. hGH-V and hPL act in concert in the mother to stimulate insulin-like growth factor (IGF) production and modulate intermediary metabolism, resulting in an increase in the availability of glucose and amino acids to the fetus. In the fetus, hPL acts via lactogenic receptors and possibly a unique PL receptor to modulate embryonic development, regulate intermediary metabolism and stimulate the production of IGFs, insulin, adrenocortical hormones and pulmonary surfactant. hGH-N, which is expressed by the fetal pituitary, has little or no physiological actions in the fetus until late in pregnancy due to the lack of functional GH receptors on fetal tissues. hGH-V, which is also a potent somatogenic hormone, is not released into the fetus. Taken together, studies of the hGH/hPL gene family during pregnancy reveal a complex interaction of the hormones with one another and with other growth factors. Additional investigations are necessary to clarify the relative roles of the family members in the regulation of fetal growth and development and the factors that modulate the expression of the genes.

Expression of Ob receptor in normal human adrenals: differential regulation of adrenocortical and adrenomedullary function by leptin.

The major effects of leptin, an adipostatic hormone produced in fat tissue, are exerted through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the systemic sympathetic/adrenomedullary system at the level of the central nervous system. Here, we examined the direct effects of leptin on the adrenal gland, a peripheral end organ of both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic/adrenomedullary system. As cortical and chromaffin tissues are intermingled in the human adrenal, we employed the novel technique of laser capture microdissection to analyze these systems separately. Functional full-length leptin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid and all human isoforms Ob219.1-3 were demonstrated by RT-PCR in both cortical and medullary tissue. Immunohistochemical staining of leptin receptor protein, however, demonstrated a strong signal only in the adrenal cortex, whereas there was weak positive staining in the medulla. Corticotropin (ACTH)-induced adrenal aldosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone secretion was inhibited by leptin in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas this hormone had no significant effect on catecholamine release by primary cultures of human adrenal chromaffin cells. Leptin itself was not expressed in human adrenal tissue, excluding a local paracrine or autocrine function of this peptide. In conclusion, this is the first report identifying functional leptin receptor in human adrenal tissue and showing a differential action of leptin on human adrenocortical and chromaffin hormone production. This peripheral action of leptin on the adrenal gland provides an additional important link between the human stress response and body weight regulation.

Plasma Progestagen, Tri-lodothyronine, and Cortisol Concentrations in Postdate Gestation Foals Exposed In Utero to the Tall Fescue Endophyte Acremonium coenophialum 1

The effects of in utero exposure to the fescue endophyte Acremonium coenophialum on neonatal Cortisol, thyroid hormone, and progestagen concentrations were examined. Blood samples were collected at birth from 12 mares and foals exposed to the fescue endophyte A. coenophialum (E +; mean gestation, 358 days) and 6 mares and foals grazing endophyte-free (E −) fescue (mean gestation, 334 days). The plasma was assayed for tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), reverse T3 (rT3), Cortisol, ACTH, and total progestagens by standard RIA. The maternal total progestagen concentration was significantly lower (p < 0.01; 4.7 ng/ml) in mares grazing E + fescue compared to mares grazing E − fescue (22.4 ng/ml). In the foals exposed in utero to endophyte, total progestagens, Cortisol, and T3 concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.01; 6.7 ± 2.2 vs. 42.4 ± 8.5 ng/ml progestagens; 145.3 ± 23.1 vs. 360.0 ± 21.4 ng/ml T3; and 4.1 ± 2.1 vs. 59.5 ± 6.1 ng/ml Cortisol) than corresponding concentrations in foals not exposed to endophyte. ACTH concentrations in foals that died acutely after delivery were significantly lower at birth than values in foals that survived (37.6 ± 16.47 vs. 291.4 ± 69.8 ng/ml). Umbilical vein progestagen concentrations did not differ between treatment groups (19.7 ± 3.2 vs. 18.3 ± 2.7 ng/ml). In foals that survived the natal period, there was a significant increase in Cortisol, T3, and progestagens from birth to 12 h of age. In foals that succumbed within the first 24 h, no increase in progestagens, T3, or Cortisol was noted. These results demonstrate that exposure of pregnant mares to A. coenophialum-infected tall fescue results in altered neonatal adrenocortical and thyroid hormone production. Placental steroidogenesis as evidenced by umbilical vein progestagen concentrations appears unaffected. Therefore, we suggest that prolonged gestation and fetal dysmaturity in fescue toxicoses results from abnormal adrenal and thyroid hormone production by the late-term fetus.

Impaired Corticosteroid Production By Isolated Adrenocortical Cells Of Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits

Changes in the structure and function of rabbit adrenocortical cells were studied eight weeks after cessation of a cholesterol-enriched diet. The plasma cholesterol level of the treated animals was still modestly elevated. All three zones of the adrenal cortex contained a slightly increased number of intracellular lipid droplets, and greater number of lipid-laden macrophages were located in the inner layers, as revealed by light and electron microscopy. The basal and ACTH-stimulated hormone production by the isolated adrenocortical cells were significantly inhibited compared with those of the controls. A possible causal relationship between the inhibited adrenocortical hormone production and the increased number of macrophages is discussed.

Adrenocortical hormone secretory response to chronic NH4Cl-induced metabolic acidosis.

We examined the effect of chronic metabolic acidosis on adrenocortical hormone production by administering NH4Cl for 5 days to four normal subjects. Plasma aldosterone concentration, aldosterone secretion, and urinary excretion of aldosterone-18-glucuronide increased significantly, whereas there were no significant changes in the plasma concentrations of cortisol, corticosterone, or deoxycorticosterone, or in the urinary excretion of 17-hydroxycorticoids. By day 2, plasma renin activity (PRA) and concentration (PRC) were not significantly different from control, and the slope of the regression line relating plasma aldosterone concentration to PRA was significantly greater than the slope in the control period, i.e., the sensitivity of aldosterone secretion to renin stimulation was increased. By day 5, however, PRA and PRC were increased above control. Plasma potassium concentration did not change significantly. Thus chronic NH4Cl-induced acidosis induces a sustained stimulation of aldosterone secretion in the absence of a change in adrenocorticotropin-dependent adrenocortical hormone secretion. Factors other than an increase in renin secretion and plasma potassium concentration may be involved in at least the early phase of aldosterone stimulation, suggesting that plasma hydrogen ion concentration might be a separate regulator of aldosterone secretion.

Effect of acupuncture on adrenocortical hormone production in rabbits with a central lesion.

A study was made of adrenocortical hormone production under electroacupuncture stimulation of the Tsu-San-Li locus in rabbits with a lesion in the fornix, stria terminalis, ventromedial nucleus or arcuate nucleus. In rabbits with a lesion in the stria terminalis or ventromedial nucleus, electroacupuncture stimulation of Tsu-San-Li resulted in no increase in phase 1 but an increase in phase 2 of adrenocortical hormone production. In rabbits with a lesion in the fornix or arcuate nucleus electroacupuncture stimulation of Tsu-San-Li was followed by increased adrenocortical hormone production in the both phases. These results show that the stria terminalis and the ventromedial nucleus play a major role in the augmentation of adrenocortical hormone production by electroacupuncture stimulation of Tsu-San-Li.

Effects of acupuncture on adrenocortical hormone production. (II) Effect of acupuncture on the response of adrenocortical hormone production to stress.

There was increased production of adrenocortical hormones (cortisol and corticosterone) in the adrenal during three different types of stress: immobilization, exposure to heat, and exposure to cold. Such a state of hypersecretion of adrenocortical hormones was inhibited by electroacupuncture at the Tsu-San-Li (St-36) locus.

Effect of Acupuncture on Adrenocortical Hormone Production: I. Variation in the Ability for Adrenocortical Hormone Production in Relation to the Duration of Acupuncture Stimulation

The effect of acupuncture on adrenocortical hormone production in adult female albino rabbits of New Zealand strain was investigated. There was significant increase compared to the control cortisol and corticosterone following application of acupuncture at the locus Tsu-San-Li. In the non-locus group, such treatment resulted in only a transient raise followed by a significant fall in cortisol and corticosterone. Acupuncture treatment with electric current for 1 hour proved to be unique in that it gave rise to no biphasic change in the 14C uptake of the steroids. These results indicate that adrenal production of corticosterone and cortisol was enhanced by acupuncture and electroacupuncture at the Tsu-San-Li locus.