Effect of Mineralo- and Glucocorticoids on Fasted Adrenalectomized Dogs Subjected to Electroshock.

Abstract

Electroshock induces circulatory failure in fasted adrenalectomized dogs maintained on mineralocorticoid. Treatment with desoxycorticosterone is ineffective and animals succumb exhibiting retention of Na, Cl and renal elimination of but small amounts of K. Despite continued fasting, glucocorticoid injections bring about rapid return of normal activity and vigor accompanied by increased arterial pressure, plasma volume, and decreases in hemoconcentration. Plasma Na and Cl concentrations showed little or no changes but the total quantity of these ions in the intravascular compartment increased significantly. The data indicate that C11 oxysteroids mobilize large amounts-of water and electrolyte from extravascular sources of the adrenalectomized dog prostrate from insufficiency and shift them into the intravascular compartment, thereby bringing about dramatic and rapid recovery. Thus glucocorticoids, in contrast to mineralocorticoids, are apparently a vital part of the mechanism which maintains the internal water and electrolyte balance of vertebrate organisms although the precise role they play in this important function is unknown.