[Effect of encephalectomy on the corticosterone content of rat fetal adrenals].

Changes in the functional state of the hypophysial-adrenal system after the removal of the hypothalamus (encephalectomy in utero) were studied in rat fetuses. The hormonal activity of the adrenal glands was evaluated by the direct fluorimetric determination of corticosterone in this organ. Removal of the hypothalamus in 18.5--19.5-day fetuses brought about a significant decrease of corticosterone in the adrenal glands. Injection of the hypothalamus homogenate to fetuses immediately after the encephalectomy prevented this decrease. The results obtained supported the existence of functional relationship between the hypothalamus and the hypophysial-adrenal system in rat fetuses.