On the VIP-ergic innervation of the uterotubal junction

Chronic ACTH treatment (3 IU/kg daily for 8 days) caused an increase in wet weight of the interscapular brown adipose tissue (ISBAT) in the rat without affecting the enzyme activities of the cardiac or skeletal muscles or of ISBAT. On the other hand, chronic β-blockade (alprenolol 10 mg/kg daily for 8 days) induced elevated activities in the oxidative enzymes of the ISBAT but not of the muscle tissues measured. Combined ACTH and alprenolol treatment also increased significantly the citrate synthase and malate dehydrogenase activities and protein concentration, but decreased the weight of ISBAT to normal. The results suggest that, although a direct antagonism between the β-blockers and ACTH has not been demonstrated, β-blockers can abolish the ACTH-induced weight gain of the ISBAT.