Physiological Effects of Exogenous Adrenocorticotropin Injections in Japanese Quail

Administration of exogenous adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) into young Japanese quail resulted in certain physiological changes consistent with those which have been reported in chickens. These include reduced body weight gains and bursa weights. Also adrenal cholesterol values were decreased, and serum cholesterol and plasma refractive indices were increased. However, spleen weights, right adrenal weights, and packed cell volumes were not consistently altered at 24 hr post-ACTH administration. Collectively, these findings suggest that Japanese quail are less responsive to ACTH-induced adrenal hyperfunction than chickens.