ISSN:
1432-0568
Keywords:
Pantothenic acid deficiency
;
Corticotropin-releasing factor
;
Corticoids
;
Histologie
;
Rat
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
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.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00341382
