EFFECT OF ALDOSTERONE-ANTAGONIST, SC 8109, ON THE SECRETION OF ALDOSTERONE IN NORMAL RATS

Abstract

The effect of aldosterone-antagonist, SC 8109, on the aldosterone content of the adrenal vein blood of rats was determined in animals fed normal and low salt diets. When the animals were fed normal diets, SC 8109 had no effect on the aldosterone secretion rate either after a single injection or after a week of continuous treatment. SC 8109 given continuously for a week to animals which were fed a low salt diet at the same time produced a dramatic increase in the aldosterone secretion rate above that obtained with diet alone. It is concluded that if this material acts by blocking the effect of aldosterone on the kidney, aldosterone must play an important physiological role in sodium deficiency but not in the presence of adequate salt intake and intact adrenal glands.