Effects of ACTH and diabetes on phospholipid metabolism in adrenal mitochondria

Summary Incorporation of 32P into adrenal mitochondrial phospholipids (PL) increased in ACTH-treated rats, but it decreased in diabetics, inspite of the fact that these animals showed adrenal overactivity. Since diabetics did not show increased 11 -hydroxylation, as opposed to ACTH-treated rats, it is suggested that the stimulation of this enzyme activity by exogenous ACTH is related to an increased turnover of PL at the mitochondrial membrane. This process is impaired in diabetics and prevents the stimulation of 11 -hydroxylation.