Interrelationships between the gonads and the adrenal cortex of the golden hamster (mesocricetus auratus).

Abstract

The literature concerning the physiology of the mammalian adrenal cortex is voluminous. However, little has been reported on the physiology of the adrenal cortex of the hamster, Mesocricetus auratus. The present investigation of the effects of adrenalectomy in the hamster was initiated in order that fundamental data such as survival time, electrolyte levels, and changes in estrus cycle of the female could be determined. Since the golden hamster is being used more and more as a laboratory animal, this data would serve as a basis for further investigation. All results obtained in the study of the hamster are compared and contrated to those reported for the rat, the most commonly used laboratory animal in endocrinological investigation. A great many phenomena have been observed by endocrinologists which have demonstrated an apparent interrelationship between the adrenal cortices and gonads of mammals. These phenomena are so numerous that Parkes (1945) was forced to adopt an artificial classification of these interrelationships in orer to review the field with some order and clarity. The effects of adrenalectomy in the hamster were such that it was felt that in this study greater emphasis should be placed on the interrelationships between the gonads and the adrenal cortices than on any other aspect of the adrenal cortical physiology of the animals. It was hoped thereby that the mechanisms involved in these interrelationships would be further elucidated. [Truncated]