Antioxidant Treatment Induces Hyperactivation of the HPA Axis by Upregulating ACTH Receptor in the Adrenal and Downregulating Glucocorticoid Receptors in the Pituitary

Figure 1

Antioxidant treatment increases circulating levels of plasma corticosterone in Wistar rats. (a) NAC (150 mg/kg, oral route) and (b) vitamin E (40 mg/kg, oral route) were given daily for 18 consecutive days. Untreated animals received an equal amount of vehicle (saline 0.9% or DMSO 0.1%). Data are expressed as the mean ± SEM of 6 animals. This result is a representative of two independent assays. .

(a)

(b)