Brain-pituitary-adrenal interrelationship in closed loop intestinal obstruction in man. Effects of stepwise removal of brain, midbrain section and frontal leucotomy in dogs after the same type of stress.

Volvulus shows high plasma 17-OHCS level and after operation there is a progressive fall. Brain-pituitary-adrenal interrelationship has been studied in experimental dogs using a different type of stressor i.e. closed loop intestinal obstruction. Midbrain section blocks the adrenocortical response. Frontal leucotomy leads to increased response after acute distension of the closed loop. Acute hypothalamectomy does not lead to blocking of the adrenocortical response to stress.