Divergent Responses of Serum Glycoprotein Fractions to Tissue Injury in Adrenalectomized Rats

The effects of cortisol administration on the humoral response to turpentine challenge were investigated in adrenalectomized, sham-adrenalectomized, and intact rats. Qualitative and quantitative differences in response to challenge were observed for protein-bound hexose, total serum protein, and the α2-AP (acute-phase) globulin, fibrinogen, and seromucoid fractions. Adrenalectomy caused a pronounced reduction in the response of α2-AP globulin to tissue injury. A significant but less marked decline was observed for the seromucoid fraction, and the plasma fibrinogen response was not affected. The responses of seromucoid and α2-AP globulin were restored by replacement therapy with cortisol. Pharmacologic dosages of the hormone caused reduced levels of all three fractions irrespective of the surgical status of the recipient. It was concluded that the observed differences in response to challenge were related to the selective action and dosage of the hormone and to the state of the recipient.