Isolation and primary structure of adrenocorticotropin from several species of whale.

The isolation of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) from fin (Balaenoptera physalus), sei (Blaenoptera borelis) and sperm (Physeter catodon) whale pituitaries is described. Their primary structures have been elucidated by the fluorescein isothiocyanate method and revealed to be identical to the structure of the human hormone. Fin whale exhibited an identical steroidogenic activity to that of the porcine hormone.