title: Effect of hypophysectomy on plasma electrolytes and adrenal mineralocorticoid secretion in the terrestrial chelonian Testudo hermanni.
abstract: Na, K, ACTH, corticosterone and aldosterone plasma levels were studied in Testudo hermanni after hypophysectomy and dexamethasone administration. Hypophysectomy as well as dexamethasone treatment caused a deep decrease in the plasma levels of electrolytes, corticosterone and aldosterone when compared to sham-operated or normal controls. ACTH plasma level was markedly lower in hypophysectomized or dexamethasone-treated tortoises when compared to the controls but never reached undetectable levels. Administration of ACTH significantly increased plasma electrolytes and hormone levels in hypophysectomized and dexamethasone-treated tortoises. The present data seem to indicate that the pituitary plays a significant role on electrolyte homeostasis and on the regulation of plasma mineralocorticoids level in terrestrial chelonians.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vallarino
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Uva
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Isola
mesh_terms: D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology; D000450:Aldosterone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D007016:Hypophysectomy; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood*; D012964:Sodium / Q000097:blood*; D014426:Turtles / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000450:Aldosterone; D003907:Dexamethasone; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium; D003345:Corticosterone