Effect of bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCG) on pituitary adrenal function in the male albino rat

Abstract

The effect of sympathetic denervation (bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy) on several aspects of pituitary adrenal function was studied in 250-300g rats. Group I=Sham-op, Group II=superior cervical ganglionectomy. (1) There was no significant difference between these groups in the plasma corticosterone (B) response to ether or immobilization stress or to ACTH administration. (2) Circadian periodicity of plasma B was determined by sequential (q.4h) tail vein sampling under LD (lights on 0800) off 2000) and under DL (lights on 2000, off 0800). Both groups showed similar peak and trough concentrations. Phase shifting occurred in both groups at day 11. (3) Compensatory adrenal hypertrophy of similar magnitude was present in both groups 10 days following unilateral adrenalectomy. These studies indicate that sympathetic input from the superior cervical ganglia is not involved in stress induced, circadian or some feedback aspects of pituitary adrenal function.