The uptake of P³² by the pituitary and adrenal glands of the rat following X irradiation

Abstract

Abstract. — The object of this work was to find out whether the increased secretion of ACTH influences the uptake of phosphorus, when X-rays are used as a stressor. Both hypophysectomized and non-hypophysectomized rats were used in this experiment. The uptake of P32 by the adrenal glands and the hypophysis was determined for a period of 72 hrs following irradiation. In comparison with normal controls, the uptake of P32 by the adrenal glands of non-hypophysectomized rats 1 hr after irradiation is increased; at 24 hrs after irradiation returns to normal values; at 48 hrs it is slightly increased; and at 72 hrs it becomes markedly increased. No changes in concentration of P32 in the anterior pituitary of the irra­diated rats were ever observed. The same applies to the adrenal glands of hypophysectomized rats irradiated for the same time period.