The Function of the Adrenal Cortical Hormone and the Cause of Death from Adrenal Insufficiency

Abstract

The authors present evidence that the chief function of the cortical hormone is the regulation and maintenance of a normal circulating volume of fluid within the vascular system. Their expts. were conducted upon bilaterally adrenalectomized dogs. The 2d part of the paper discusses the apparent relationship existing between animals in adrenal insufficiency and humans in traumatic shock. 32 points of comparison are listed. The authors recommend trial of adrenal cortical extract in clinical cases presenting traumatic shock.