Effects of Aldosterone and Desoxycorticosterone on Tissue Electrolytes.

Abstract

Plasma, brain, and muscle electrolytes were determined in mice given desoxycorticosterone acetate (DCA) and aldosterone. DCA increased the concentration ratio of [image] Without affecting the ratio of [image]in brain; it increased the concentration ratio of K moderately in muscle and decreased the concentration ratio of Na. Aldosterone increased the concentration ratios of Na and K in both brain and muscle. It is proposed that aldosterone acts to enhance ion transport throughout the body, but that desoxycorticosterone is sufficiently different chemically that, although it mimics aldosterone at some sites, it has no direct action on muscle. The variations in cellular electrolyte composition of muscle which are observed after DCA administration are therefore secondary to its effects at other sites.