ADRENOCORTICAL CONTROL OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM EXCRETION IN THE NEWBORN PERIOD 1

Abstract

ACTH given to 10 premature and 3 full term infants under 70 days of age produced increased excretion of N, 17-ketosteroids, and neutral reducing lipids in the urine as it does in adults. K excretion also usually increased on the day of ACTH admn. However, Na excretion rose on the day following ACTH admn. without previous significant retention. At times, this increased Na loss was enough to produce a negative Na balance. Na loss was roughly proportional to the dose of ACTH, and it persisted when ACTH was given to two of these infants for 7 and 10 days,respectively. 2-5 mg. of DCA given to 3 of these infants produced a decrease in urinary volume, Na, and K.