Physiological studies on the effects of hormonal imbalance on the central nervous system. I. Effects of hypophysectomy on certain biochemical parameters in the brain of frog

Abstract

The acetylcholinesterase activity, RNA levels, total free amino acids and magnesium content in fore-, mid- and hind-brain were determined in the normal and hypophysectomised frogs (Rana cyanophlyctus). Hypophysectomy results in a marked decrease in the free a-a and in Mg. RNA also decreases significantly, but not to the same degree as the a-a and Mg. But AchE levels do not change significantly although there is a general decrease. It is suggested that the decrease in Mg is a reflection of the ionic imbalance resulting from hormonal imbalance. Hypophysectomy also results in reduced protein synthesis (and/or turnover) in the CNS as indicated by reduced RNA and a-a.