Effects of adrenal steroidogenesis inhibition by aminoglutethimide on the rat adrenal medulla I. Effect on catecholamine content

Abstract Twice daily administration of aminoglutethimide (AMG), 150 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days, increased adrenal weight, reduced the adrenaline content (by about 58%) of the adrenal gland but increased the dopamine content (by about 136%); noradrenaline content was not affected. These effects were prevented by daily administration of betamethasone (1 mg/kg). It is concluded, on the basis of this study and of a parallel histochemical study, that the depletion of adrenaline by AMG is indirect and must be considered functional. The fall of adrenal steroids in the blood perfusing the medulla is likely to exert a permissive role in the depletion. The role of a reactive secretion of ACTH and of a possible increased splanchnic outflow in the adrenaline depletion remains to be elucitated.