Adrenal function in the diabetic mutant mouse (gene symbol dbm).

The adrenal function in diabetes mutant mice with misty coat colour (dbm) was investigated by measurements of serum corticosteroids, adrenal weights and adrenal corticosteroid content. Furthermore, the adrenal corticosteroid content was studied in obese-hyperglycemic mice (ob). In the dbm-mice the serum corticosteroid levels were elevated at the age of 5 and 12 months although the adrenal weight only was significantly elevated at the age of 5 months. The adrenal corticosteroid content was significantly lower in the 12 months old dbm-mice. In the ob-mice the adrenal corticosteroid content was elevated at the age of 5 weeks, 5 and 12 months. It is concluded that in both the dbm-mouse and the ob-mouse there is an increased functional activity of the adrenal cortex which may reflect a pituitary hypersection of ACTH, perhaps as a manifestation of a common hypothalamic disorder.