THE INFLUENCE OF CORTISONE ON RENAL FUNCTION AND ELECTROLYTE EXCRETION IN THE ADRENALECTOMIZED DOG1

Abstract

Cortisone admn. in the adrenalectomized dog results in a marked decrease in the renal excretion of Na. Prolonged admn. of cortisone corrects the renal defect in Na excretion and corrects the abnormal plasma Na and K levels characteristic of adrenal insufficiency. During periods when adequate replacement therapy is maintained with cortisone in the adrenalectomized dog, the glom-erular filtration rate and renal plasma flow are restored toward normal. The effects of cortisone on the renal excretion of Na have been compared to the effects of DCA. Both steroids affected Na excretion in a similar manner. Admn. of minimal doses of DCA and cortisone together decreased the renal Na excretion by an amt. that was of greater magnitude than that seen when each was given alone.