Response of Normal Subjects to Large Amounts of Aldosterone1

Abstract

Metabolic studies were performed on 2 normal subjects who received 3-6 mg of dl-aldosterone 21-monoacetate in sesame oil intramuscularly for 14 and 26 days. Both subjects responded initially by Na retention and weight gain of 2-3 kg, following which weight gain ceased and Na excretion returned approximately to control levels, despite continued administration of the hormone. Increased K excretion occurred throughout the period of aldosterone administration. These findings are consistent with the lack of edema in primary aldosteronism and demonstrate that Na excretion during volume loading need not be related to diminished aldosterone secretion, and they suggest that "paradoxical" Na excretion seen in cases of primary aldosteronism occurs as a result of this "escape" phenomenon.