A Study on Corticotrophin (ACTH) estrogen Interactions on the Genital Organs of Young Female Rats

Abstract

Corticotrophin exerts a stimulating effect on the genital organs of young female rats probably through an acceleration of pituitary gonadotrophin output. Estradiol dipropionate suppresses ovarian function through an inhibition of pituitary gonadotrophic activity. The drug, however, acts directly on the uterus and as a result it undergoes marked hypertrophy and shows typical estrus changes.A combined administration of the two hormones elicits only estrogenic effects in the genital organs. This is ascribed to a blockage of pituitary gonadotrophin production by estrogen, and the consequent failure of corticotrophin to exert its effects.It IS suggested that estrogen antagonizes the gonad-stimulating action of corticotrophin but the latter does, not modify the effect of estrogen on the genital organs in any manner.