[Effect of ACTH in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, adenosine cyclic monophosphate and steroids in the adrenal cortex of rabbits in vivo].

The effect produced by intravenous injection of ACTH to rabbits on the content of prostaglandins E and F (PGE and PGF) in the adrenal glands was studied. At the same time a determination was made of the cAMP content in the adrenal glands and of the peripheral blood corticosterone concentration. PGE and PGF were revealed in the adrenal cortex in concentrations of 199--550 and 271--335 pg/g respectively. After a dose of 50 Units there was a 2--3-fold rise of PGE, and a 1 1/2-fold rise of the PGF content. PG synthesis was elevated maximally in the adrenal glands 15 minutes after the ACTH injection, remaining at this level for 60 minutes; similar dynamics was revealed for the cAMP and corticoterone formation. The results obtained indicated that, along with intensification of the steroids and cAMP formation, ACTH stimulated PG synthesis in the adrenal glands. These data permit a suggestion to be made that PG participated in the ACTH action on the adrenal glands.