EFFECT OF VARIOUS ADRENAL STEROIDS ON PLASMA MAGNESIUM AND THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM OF ADRENALECTOMIZED DOGS1

Abstract

Plasma Mg increases in adrenal insufficiency and remains elevated for several days after plasma K and other electrolytes have returned to normal and symptoms have disappeared under medication with adrenal steroids such as 2-methyl-9[alpha]-fluorohydrocortisone, aldosterone and desoxycorticosterone. Electro-cardiographic changes commonly occur in adrenal insufficiency and cardiac arrythymia may be severe enough to cause collapse and death. These disturbances are generally assumed to be due to hyperkalemia per se but other factors such as low plasma Na, Cl and plasma volume plus high plasma Mg may be involved along with increased plasma K in inducing the cardiac irregularities. The effect of the various steroids upon water and electrolyte shifts are also discussed.