Steroid-Induced Adrenal-Pituitary Hypofunction II

Abstract

Data are presented which indicate that marked Na depletion does not alter the resistance of intact rats to a K load. Early but transitory urinary electrolyte changes were seen during chronic hydrocortisone treatment. The decreased resistance to K stress in animals treated with hydrocortisone is probably due to hypofunction of the adrenal-pituitary axis rather than to steroid-induced alterations of electrolyte balance.