ENDOTOXEMIA AND ADRENAL HEMORRHAGE

Abstract

Stimulation of the rabbit adrenal cortex by thorotrast, endotoxin or tropic hormone (ACTH) renders the adrenal cortex susceptible to the development of a hemorrhagic reaction during endotoxemia. The adrenal hemorrhage resembles that described in the Waterhouse-Fridericksen syndrome. Increased metabolic activity associated with the production of cortico-steroids seems to make the adrenal cortex susceptible to endotoxin. Adrenal hemorrhage observed during sepsis, as in the Waterhouse-Fridericksen syndrome may be attributable to endotoxemia occuring during or shortly after stimulation of the adrenal cortex by infection.