The role of the adrenal glands in regulating onset of winter fur growth in mink (Mustela vison)

In a study conducted between June 23 and July 11, 1990, the role of adrenal glands in regulating the onset of winter fur growth in mink was examined. Adult female standard dark mink that underwent bilateral adrenalectomy started growing their winter fur approximately 6 weeks earlier than the control group. Additionally, a month after the adrenalectomized mink completed their winter fur growth, they began molting and growing a new coat, which was less dense than typical summer or winter fur. This finding indicates that adrenal hormones may inhibit the start of winter fur growth and also affect the period of inactivity between hair growth phases. The administration of deoxycorticosterone, a mineralocorticoid, did not influence the initiation of fur growth, suggesting that other adrenal hormones are involved in the process regulated by photoperiod. The specific adrenal hormones and their action mechanisms remain unidentified.