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Influence of pantothenic acid deficiency on the amount of CRF-granules in the rat median eminence

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Summary

In the outer layer of the rat median eminence “Gomori-positive” granules occur which are assumed to be the morphological correlate of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). The present study was carried out in order to establish whether the amount of these CRF-granules is influenced by a pantothenic acid (PA)-deficiency, which is known to result in an inhibition of corticosteroid production.

Female SPF Wistar rats were used. PA-deficiency was induced by PA-free nutrition and/or administration of the PA-antagonist Ω-methyl-PA. Corresponding experimental groups were given either tap water or a solution of 1% NaCl and 5% glucose in tap water to drink.

In rats fed with a diet free of PA and in addition treated with Ω-methyl-PA a severe disturbance of the corticoid balance developed within 6 weeks. The corticosterone production was depressed to about 11–16% of the control values. The adrenal cortex showed necrotic changes which either involved the whole parenchyma or were confined to the inner zones. In those animals in which a subcapsular region, in its extent corresponding to the zona glomerulosa, remained intact, an augmentation of the CRF-granules was observed. In those animals, however, in which the whole adrenal cortex was damaged, the amount of CRF-granules did not increase.

Administration of the 1% NaCl containing drinking fluid did not influence the augmentation of the CRF granules, but had a protective effect on the development of necrotic changes in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex.

The findings show that a functional relationship exists between the inner zones of the adrenal cortex and the CRF-granules in the median eminence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Anatomisches Institut und Institut für Ernährungswissenschaft der Universität Bonn, Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany

    K. Pietrzik, P. Schwabedal, Ch. Hesse & R. Bock

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  1. K. Pietrzik
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  2. P. Schwabedal
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  3. Ch. Hesse
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  4. R. Bock
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Supported by grants from the Landesamt für Forschung, Nordrhein-Westfalen and from the Bundesministerium für Familie, Jugend und Gesundheit, Grant-No.: L II 5-48200.

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Pietrzik, K., Schwabedal, P., Hesse, C. et al. Influence of pantothenic acid deficiency on the amount of CRF-granules in the rat median eminence. Anat. Embryol. 146, 43–55 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00341382

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