Extrarenal action of the adrenal cortex on electrolyte metabolism in nephrectomized and nephrectomized-eviscerated rats

Abstract

A study was made of the extrarenal action of the adrenal cortex on sodium and potassium metabolism in the rat. There was a reduction in the plasma potassium concentration 24 hours after the administration of desoxycorticosterone, 2 mg/rat, in the adrenalectomized-nephrectomized rat. Treatment with hydrocortisone, 5 mg rat, resulted in the opposite effect. Corticosterone and 2-methyl-9α-fluorohydrocortisone were without effect. In another series of experiments, adrenalectomy resulted in an elevation in the plasma potassium concentration in nephrectomized-eviscerated rats. This change could be detected as early as two hours after operation. The intravenous administration of large doses of desoxycorticosterone, hydrocortisone, corticosterone and aldosterone were without effect. It is suggested that there is a movement of potassium into the extracellular fluid in the absence of the secretions of the adrenal gland.