An early effect of cortisol, previous to its glycogenogenic action.

Cortisol produces a glycogenogenic effect 5 hours after intraperitoneal injection to 3 day old chicks. This effect is dependent on protein synthesis because it can be blocked by antibiotics such as actinomycin D. On the other hand, there is a previous glycogenolytic effect 45 minutes after cortisol administration which is independent of protein synthesis. Thyroid hormones produce a similar early effect as has been previously shown. However, the observed glycogenolysis after cortisol injection is not correlated with an enhancement in the liver cAMP levels.