THE DESOXYCORTICOSTERONE ACETATE REQUIREMENT OF THE ADRENALECTOMIZED DOG

Abstract

Data were obtained on 7 adult [male] dogs. A 2-wk. assay period was used. On a diet containing approx. 2% NaCl, the daily avg. minimal maintenance dose of desoxycorticosterone acetate was 0.365 mg; on a 1% NaCl diet, the requirement was increased 5 fold. Three dogs died while receiving desoxycorticosterone acetate: one in hypoglycemia following adrenal insufficiency, otherwise adequately treated; one after showing persistent cardiac irregularities; and the 3d died suddenly when apparently well except for some loss of wt. The interpretation of these findings is discussed. Desoxycorticosterone acetate evidently does not effect complete replacement therapy, lacking some factor present in aq. extracts necessary for carbohydrate and cardiac metabolism.