Effects of Adrenal Hormones on Capillary Permeability in Perfused Rat Tissues

Abstract

Capillary permeability to fluid, protein and sucrose, and precapillary and postcapillary hydrodynamic resistance were measured in the perfused hindquarters of normal and adrenalectomized rats. No permeability differences between the 2 groups were observed, nor was permeability affected by adding aqueous adrenal extract to the perfusion fluid. The extract was found to contain a vasoconstrictor agent readily destroyed by oxidation in alkaline solution, and therefore presumed to be epinephrine. The reported effects of adrenal extract on capillary permeability are attributed to their vasoconstrictor action.