PRODUCTION OF ENDOGENOUS “SALT-ACTIVE” CORTICOIDS AS REFLECTED IN THE CONCENTRATIONS OF SODIUM AND CHLORIDE OF THERMAL SWEAT*

Abstract

A suitable base line period of from 4-11 days was observed on each patient to determine the levels of the compounds under study (Na, Cl, sugar, K, uric acid, and eosinophils). This was followed by an exptl. period of 8 or more days in which each patient received 50 mg. ACTH (Armour) per day. A recovery period of several days always followed the exptl. period. It is concluded that the electrolyte composition of thermal sweat is a constant index of adrenal production of DCA-like corticosteroids. The urine analysis for electrolyte composition is not as reliable as the one above. It is believed that many clinical diagnoses may be made by the aid of above technic. After sustained admn. of ACTH to humans, cessation of admn. results in temporary adrenocortical insufficiency, followed by adrenocortical hyperfunction and finally a return to normal.