[Characteristics of the adrenal endocrine function of Papio hamadryas in the metopyrone test]

Hormonal function of the adrenals of preadolescent and adult monkeys (Papio hamadryas) was examined by the metopyrone test. After a single injection of metopyrone the content of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, progesterone, pregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and 17-hydroxypregnenolone was measured in the blood of monkeys by radioimmunoassay. The reasons for age-associated differences in the hormonal response of the primate adrenals to metopyrone injection are discussed. The conclusion is drawn on the advisability of a single metopyrone injection for studying functional reserves of the pituitary-adrenal system.