The Effects of Synthetic and Natural Hormones of the Adrenal Cortex on Melanin Deposition in Adrenalectomized Black Rats Fed Diets Adequate and Deficient in Vitamin B1

This study on 135 adrenalectomized black rats found that adrenalectomy stimulated melanin deposition and hair growth, especially in those on a vitamin B¹-deficient diet. However, treatment with synthetic hormone desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) inhibited these effects, delaying and reducing melanin deposition and hair regrowth. Supplementation with rice bran concentrate or calcium pantothenate did not counteract DOCA's inhibitory effects. The absence of NaCl in drinking water had no significant impact. Histological analysis confirmed diminished hyperplastic response and melanin deposition in hormone-treated rats compared to untreated ones.