OUABAIN AND THE ADRENAL CORTEX1

Abstract

Groups of 6 adult rats received for 30 days, respectively: no injns.; desoxycorticosterone acetate, 5 mg./day; ouabain, 3.4 mg./kg./day; this dose of ouabain plus DCA; ouabain, 6 mg./kg./day; this dose of ouabain plus DCA. DCA alone induced both atrophy and lipid depletion of the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. Ouabain alone produced enlargement of this zone as well as a conspicuous increase in its lipid content. When the 2 drugs were administered together, the glomerulosa remained enlarged, although its lipid content was lower than normal in most specimens. This apparent antagonism between the 2 steroidal substances is discussed.