title: Effect of aging and adrenocorticotropin on adrenal delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in male rats.
abstract: Adrenal delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) activity was determined in male rate 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age. Mean (+/- SE) adrenal 3 beta-HSD concentration (microgram delta 4-androstenedione formed/minute/mg tissue), specific activity (microgram/minute/mg protein) and total content (microgram/minute/pair of adrenals) were less (p less than 0.001 to p less than 0.025) in male rats 12 months of age (0.222 +/- 0.010, 1.66 +/- 0.09 and 8.6 +/- 0.8, respectively) or older, than in males four months of age (0.372 +/- 0.011, 2.69 +/- 0.07 and 13.4 +/- 1.1, respectively). Subcutaneous administration of 10 IU adrenocorticotropin daily for a period of five days to male rats 24 months of age elevated adrenal weight by 50 percent and restored dehydrogenase activity to that of the young untreated animal. Therefore, adrenal function in male rats as determined by 3 beta-HSD activity declines with advancing age, but remains responsive to adrenocorticotropic stimulation.
mesh_terms: D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000378:metabolism*; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D011375:Progesterone Reductase / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D011375:Progesterone Reductase