Rgulation of intestinal alkaline phosphatase levels in the rat. Role of the adrenal cortex.

Bilateral adrenalectomy produces a reduction in the alkaline phosphatase concentration in rat intestine, which is not prevented by the administration of saline, but is prevented by the administration of cortisone. The administration of A.C.T.H. to normal rats leads to a rise in intestinal alkaline phosphatase levels associated with a small increase in the weight of the adrenals, while the administration of hydrocortisone produces large increases in the enzyme, even with doses which cause significant hypoplasia of the adrenal glands. The significance of these findings in relation to mechanisms of fat absorption and the treatment of steatorrhoea is discussed.