[Effect of alpha-tocopherol on adrenal cortex functions under stress]

alpha-Tocopherol has been studied for its effect on lipid peroxidation and steroidogenesis in the adrenal cortices of rat and rabbit under stress. The vitamin is shown to exert an inhibitory effect on the lipid peroxidation developing under chronic stress. A biphasic pattern of the alpha-tocopherol effect on the steroidogenesis in the adrenal cortex is established: a decrease in the release of the steroids under the acute stress and maintaining of their levels under the chronic stress. A conclusion is drawn about a potential alpha-tocopherol application to correct the adrenal cortex function under stress.