[Activity of glutathione reductase in the adrenal glands and the liver of dogs after administration O,P-DDD, perthane and ACTH].

A study was made of the inhibitors of the adrenal gland function and ACTH on the activity of NADP-specific glutathionreductase in the adrenal glands and the liver of dogs. After a 10-day feeding to dogs of o,p'-dichlordiphenyldichlorethane (o,p'-DDD) and p,p'-diethyldiphenyl dichlorethane (p,p'-pertane) in a dose of 50 mg/kg there was observed a marked activation of glutathion reductase in the adrenal glands. Elevation of the activity of the enzyme was revealed as soon as 24 hours after the administration of o,p'-DDD. The inhibitors under study failed to influence the activity of the enzyme in the liver of dogs, this indicating a specific action of o,p'-DDD and pertane on the adrenal gland cortex. Stimulation of glucocorticoid biosynthesis under the effect of ACTH administered once in a dose of 25 Units/kg was not accompanied by the changes in the activity of glutathione reductase in the adrenal glands and the liver of dogs. Prolonged ACTH administration (4 Units/kg) caused a significant reduction of the enzyme activity calculated as per 1 mg of protein in the adrenal gland homogenate.