[Oestrogens in the stimulation of adrenal steroid production in the rat].

Chronic administration of oestradiol has several times been reported as leading to stimulation of in vitro adrenal hydroxylative activity in the rat. It is now shown that acute stimulation is also possible, provided ACTH is present in the system. Synthetic oestrogens with metabolic activity equivalent to that of oestradiol, however, are incapable of stimulating steroid production. It is clear that the mechanism of action of oestrogens is extremely complicated as far as the adrenal glands are concerned.