Earl O. Butcher

Accelerated hair growth in the rat after adrenalectomy cannot be attributed to the thyroid.

Summary When the hair is removed from the backs of underfed rats it does not grow externally for long periods. Upon adrenalectomy of such underfed rats, the hair grows on their backs in 8 or 9 days. Histological sections show no increased activity of the thyroid in such adrenalectomized animals. When underfed individuals are thyroidectomized one to 21 days previous to adrenalectomy, the hair, likewise, grows in 8 or 9 days after removal of the adrenals. There is, therefore, no evidence that the thyroid is responsible in any way for the rapid growth of hair in the rat following adrenalectomy.

Effect of Adrenalectomy on the Growth of Mammary Glands in Underfed Albino Rats.

Summary The mammary glands of underfed albino rats grow more rapidly upon adrenalectomy. This enlargement is not due to increased sexual activity resulting from the adrenalectomy.