The effects of dexamethasone on the growth of gamma-irradiated tadpoles.

A plausible hypothesis as to the mode of action of dexamethasone (DXM) has been proposed. Growth of irradiated tadpoles of Bufo melanostictus, treated daily with the corticoid, is more suppressed. Compared with its antagonism with ACTH, its coordinate promotion of TSH production accelerates metamorphosis. This modulated feedback is consistent with the constant course of the hypothalamic nuclei influence upon the adenohypophyseal hormones.