Effects of Administration of Large Amounts of d-Aldosterone in Normal Subjects and in a Patient with Sheehan's Syndrome

Abstract

Four clinically “normal” subjects with intact adrenal, cardiac, kidney and liver functions, were given 10 mg of daldosterone (free alcohol) per day in olive oil and/or 20% ethanol im for 10 days. A patient suffering from Sheehan's syndrome with secondary adrenal insufficienty received 1 mg of d-aldosterone per day in olive oil im. All subjects were maintained on a constant diet. In the clinically “normal” subjects, after an initial period of sodium retention, sodium excretion returned approximately to or even exceeded intake levels, despite continued administration of the compound. Negative potassium balance was more marked during the first few days of the administration of daldosterone than on subsequent days. The patient presenting Sheehan's syndrome showed continued sodium retention during the period of d-aldosterone administration, with “escape” from sodium retention on the last day. Negative potassium balance occurred in this patient during the first few days of the administration of the compound. As treatment continued, potassium excretion attained intake levels; potassium retention was observed on the last day of aldosterone administration. In one clinically “normal” subject, a weight loss of 0.9 kg was noted during the period cf lministration of the compound; the other 3 subjects showed maximal weight gains that did not exceed 1.0, 0.6 and 0.7 kg, with subsequent weight loss, while d-aldosterone was being administered. Clinical evidence of edema was absent in all subjects. No changes in blood pressure and serum electrolytes were noted during the study. The data imply that fluid retention need not be expected in most normal subjects receiving large doses of aldosterone.