Sodium and Potassium of Blood and Urine in Adrenalectomized Golden Hamsters

Abstract

On the 6th or 7th day after adrenalectomy both male and female hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) exhibited a nearly normal serum Na. Treatment with saline soln. main-tained the serum Na level of adrenalectomized males but did not prolong their life. In male and female adrenalectomized hamsters, males treated with saline soln., and males treated with DCA there was a high serum K and a drop in urinary K. Apparently alteration of Na balance is not important, but retention of K is an important factor in the development of a fatal termination to adrenal insufficiency in the hamster. Paradoxically, DCA maintained life and a normal serum Na but did not alleviate K retention.