Metabolism of Progesterone by Adrenal Gland Homogenates from Bulls

Adrenal gland homogenates from a Jersey bull with a fascicular nodule converted 4-C14 progesterone to cortisol three to four times as rapidly as glands from other bulls. Adrenal glands from three bulls of the Norwegian Red and White breed, also with fascicular nodules, converted progesterone to cortisol at rates comparable to glands from bulls without nodules. The adrenals from these three animals converted the 4-C14 progesterone to cortical steroids similar to, but probably not identical with, corticosterone at faster rates than homogenates from glands of the other groups. Changes in the semen and testes associated with the changes found in the adrenals are described.