[Activity of neurohormonal hypothalamus-adrenal cortex axis in the course of transplantable mouse leukemia L1210]

The activity of the neurohormonal hypothalamus-adrenal cortex axis in the course of transplantable mouse leukemia L1210 was investigated. The secretory activity of the arcuate nucleus producing CRF, the fascicular zone of adrenal cortex secreting glicocorticosteroids and nucleus supraopticus hypothalami producing vasopressin was estimated with the karyometric method. Four groups of mice killed in various stages of cancerous process's advance were used. It was demonstrated that rapidly developing cancer is a considerable stress, which is proved by the increase in the neurohormonal axis activity in comparison to the control groups. The activity of the hypothalamo-adrenal axis was typical for a stress reaction: a two-phase process with a considerable increase in activity in the introductory phase of the developing leukemia and a visible decrease in the last phase, typical for an unspecific reaction, where no more effective mobilization for adaptation and activation of mechanisms is possible. The production of vasopressin has similar progress to other glands investigated, which suggests its stimulating influence on activation of the pituitary-adrenal axis. The statistical analysis of karyometric measurements was carried out by the Student's t test.