Effect of Adrenalectomy Upon the Diuresis Produced by Isotonic Saline Solutions in Rats

Abstract

Diuresis was produced in adrenalectomized adult male rats (a) by admn. of 5 ml. of Ringer''s soln. by indwelling gastric catheter during a sustaining infusion of evaporated milk soln., and (b) by infusing isotonic NaCl soln. intraven. at increasing rates. Chronic adrenal insufficiency merely retarded "isotonic saline diuresis" produced in either way, even when water diuresis was completely suppressed. The isotonic saline diureses were accompanied by increased excretion of Na and Cl in addition to water. Hence all 3 of these responses to expansion of extracellular fluid vol. by admn. of isotonic saline solns. can proceed with considerable effectiveness despite absence of adrenal hormones.