Corticotrophin-like bioactivity in the pituitary gland and brain of the pacific hagfish, Eptatretus stouti

Gen Comp Endocrinol. 1985 Mar;57(3):434-7. doi: 10.1016/0016-6480(85)90225-4.

Abstract

The cytochemical bioassay for corticotrophin (ACTH) was used in an attempt to detect ACTH-like activity in the Pacific hagfish, Eptatretus stouti. Extracts of the pituitary gland and brain were active in this assay system but those of liver and skeletal muscles were not. The slopes of the dose-response lines of the pituitary extracts were less than those of the mammalian corticotrophin standard preparation but greater than those of the brain extracts. The results suggest that the corticotrophic factor in the hagfish differs from mammalian ACTH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Glands / drug effects
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / analysis*
  • Animals
  • Ascorbic Acid / metabolism
  • Biological Assay
  • Brain Chemistry*
  • Fishes / physiology*
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Pituitary Gland / analysis*

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Ascorbic Acid