Influence of surgical and steroidal bursectomy on the behavior of adrenal ascorbic acid during stress in juvenile pigeons

Abstract

The experimental response of adrenal ascorbic acid (AAA) to stress in juvenile pigeons was studied after surgical removal of the bursa of Fabricius and chronic administration of cortical and male sex hormone. Surgical bursectomy facilitated the depletion of AAA during stress. Corticoid therapy caused an involution of the bursa while AAA was unaltered after exposure to stress. Androgen administration did not regress the bursa, but stress evoked major depletions in AAA concentration. The probable mediation of androgen in precipitating these stress responses has been briefly discussed.