THE RESPONSE OF THE ADRENALECTOMIZED DOG TO RENIN AND OTHER PRESSOR AGENTS

Abstract

The responses of 16 adrenalectomized dogs in various stages of adrenal insufficiency to certain pressor agents were detd. The maximal power of arteriolar constriction, as measured by large doses of epinephrine and renin, was not reduced until late in insufficiency with the arterial pressure between 50 and 70 mm. Hg. Even with pressures at shock levels, renin could temporarily restore the normal pressure level. The sensitivity to small doses of renin, to BaCl2, and to pitressin is reduced shortly after supportive cortical extract is withdrawn and before symptoms of insufficiency have appeared. More than mere maintenance doses of extract is required to maintain a normal response to renin. 0.5 mg. desoxycorticosterone acetate per day will maintain this normal response.