THE EFFECT OF CORTIN ON THE CONCENTRATIONS OF SOME CONSTITUENTS OF THE BLOOD OF ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS

Abstract

To dissociate the influence of cortin on the tissues of the rat from its action on the kidney, the effect of cortin was detd. on adrenalectomized rats after nephrectomy. Cortin did not prevent the increase in the amt. of urea in the blood and did not change the concns. of Na or chloride which were within normal limits. It had a slight effect on the value for the blood sugar and a marked effect on the distribution of K. Cortin maintained a normal capacity for work which was quickly lost in the untreated animals. Loss of muscular activity was associated with an increase in the concn. of K in the serum. The influence of cortin was detd. on adrenalectomized rats that had received intraperit. injections of water. These rats, if untreated, had a low capacity for work, a low concn. of Na and chloride and a high concn. of urea and K in the blood. Cortin maintained the capacity for work which was greatly suppressed in the untreated animals and retarded the rate of increase in the concn. of K in the serum but did not influence the concn. of urea, Na and chloride. Cortin exerts an effect on the tissues of the rat which is separate and distinct from its action on the kidney. This effect is apparently attributable to the influence of cortin on the permeability of cell membranes.