The conversion of progesterone into testosterone by the mouse ovary and its relationship to adrenal X zone degeneration

Using incubation techniques, with progesterone as precursor, the capacity of the mouse ovary to form steroids was examined. Ovaries were taken from three groups of mice: (1) immature mice, (2) mature virgin females, (3) primigravid animals. The formation of the following steroids was suggested by the analytical methods used: 16-oxooestrone, 17-epioestriol, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, 20α-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, testosterone. Yields were very small from the ovaries of immature mice. The yields of oestrogens were greatest from ovaries of mature virgin females and of testosterone from those of pregnant mice. The factors contributing to the disappearance of the X zone of the adrenal gland during first pregnancy are discussed. It is concluded that one major factor is the secretion of testosterone by the ovary of the gravid mouse.

The adrenal cortex and renal sodium and potassium excretion in the newborn rat

1. The effects of an aldosterone blocking agent (SC-11927) and of corticotrophin, aldosterone and cortisol on renal function were tested on infant rats aged 1 to 17 days.

2. SC-11927 had no effect on the Na/K ratio in the urine of rats until they were 12 days old.

3. d-Aldosterone depressed the Na/K ratio on the 1st day after birth, potassium concentration increased but a decrease in sodium concentration was not seen until the 6th day.

4. Cortisol elevated the Na/K ratio on the 1st day after birth, both sodium and potassium concentration increased. At 6 days potassium concentration alone was increased.

5. Corticotrophin did not affect the composition of the urine until the animals were 12 days old when the potassium concentration increased.

The role of the adrenal cortex and the kidney in the pathogenesis of cardiac edema

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