Effects of gossypol acetate on pituitary-adrenal axis in male albino rats.

Histopathological effects of gossypol acetate (GA) on pituitary-adrenal axis in male Wistar rats were investigated. Sexually mature rats of proven fertility were administered orally with 10 and 25 mg/kg for 4 and 5 weeks, respectively. In both experimental groups, corticotrophs (ACTH cells) of anterior pituitary showed progressive regression. At the 10 mg low-dose treatment for 4 weeks, no significant changes were observed in all the zones of the adrenal gland, while at the same dose for 5 weeks of treatment, cells of zona glomerulosa showed hypertrophy and degranulation as compared to that of control. Cells of zona fasciculata and reticularis showed no significant changes. In the medulla, the thickly granulated cells were degranulated and reduced in number. At the 25 mg treatment, the cells of the zona fasciculata showed hypertrophy and degranulation. The possible mechanism of action of GA is discussed.