Function of the adrenal cortex in obese-hyperglycemic mice (gene symbol ob)

Abstract

The adrenal function of the obese-hyperglycemic mouse has been analysed by measurements of serum corticosteroid levels at different ages and after various types of stimulation. In addition, the corticosteroid binding capacity (CBC) of the serum was evaluated in these animals. The results showed that in all ages investigated the obese hyperglycemic animals had significantly elevated values of serum corticosteroids compared with their lean controls. This difference did not vary with age. Both administration of ACTH and stressful handling further increased the corticosteroid values of the obese animals. In addition, the CBC was significantly elevated in these animals at the ages of 6 and 16 months. Since the serum corticosteroid levels, in contrast to other manifestations of the obese-hyperglycemic syndrome, did not vary with age, it is suggested that the hyperadrenocorticism observed in these animals is not of primary aetiological significance for the development of the syndrome. This does not preclude the possibility that a prolonged elevation of serum corticosteroid levels contributes to the syndrome. © 1974 Springer-Verlag.