METABOLISM OF CORTISOL IN NORMAL AND “STRESSED” DOGS1

Abstract
The removal rate of intravenously injected cortisol has been determined in normal and "stressed" dogs. Normal or decreased removal rates of cortisol were found in all "stress" conditions investigated. Mechanisms other than increased "utilization" of adrenal steroids might therefore be responsible for augmented ACTH secretion in conditions of "stress." Various theories which might explain why intravenously given cortisol is removed more slowly in severely "stressed" dogs are discussed.