Alteration of reproductive function in the rat by cortisol acetate.

Adrenal hyperplasia in laboratory animals has been associated with depressed reproductive function by several investigators. Thus increased social pressure and population density in mice induce adrenocortical hyperactivity, which is associated with varying inhibition of reproductive activity. Chronic administration of ACTH to mice abolished ovulation and luteinization, reduced ovarian weight and size of follicles, and increased follicular atresia (Christian , 1964a, b). Jarett (1965) obtained essentially similar results, and furthermore, contrary to the results reported by Christian (1964a), demonstrated that the effects of ACTH were mediated via the adrenal gland.