EFFECT OF THE SODIUM-RETAINING FACTOR OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX UPON THE SERUM ELECTROLYTES OF ADRENALECTOMIZED DOGS12

Abstract

By using suitable fractionation methods, refined but non-crystalline water-soluble steroid material (U.V.) was removed from the crude amorphous fraction derived from extract concentrates of beef and hog adrenals. Tests on adrenalectomized dogs showed the material to be many times more potent than DCA in maintaining normal serum levels of Na. However, it is much less effective in regulating serum K than it is in regulating serum Na since many of the test animals developed hyperpotassemia accompanied by severe cardiac disturbances despite exhibition of normal serum Na levels. The Na-retaining factor as employed in the dosage used in these experiments, failed to sustain the arterial pressure which slowly (over a period of weeks) declined to levels necessitating restorative measures. The serum Na in numerous tests remained unchanged from its initial value even when the dogs were displaying severe symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.