Plasma ACTH levels in stressed and nonstressed adrenalectomized rats.

Following adrenalectomy there is a triphasic response of ACTH secretion characterized by an initial high rise immediately following the adrenalectomy, secondary to the stress of the procedure. This is followed by a fall to resting ACTH secretion until a steady state is reached 1 to 2 weeks following adrenalectomy at levels about 10 times normal. The ability to respond to stress with increased ACTH secretion is not lost at any time following adrenalectomy.