Aldosterone Secretion After Hypophysectomy

Abstract

Adrenal venous blood was collected from hypophysectomized and sham-hypophysectomized dogs 6 days postoperatively. 17-Hydroxycorticosterone, corticosterone, 11-desoxy-17-hydroxycorticosterone and aldosterone were isolated by paper chromatography. Histological examination of the sellar and suprasellar regions of the hypophysectomized dogs demonstrated the absence of pituitary tissue. The adrenal glands of the hypophysectomized dogs showed cortical atrophy which did not involve the zona glomerulosa. The rate of secretion of aldosterone by the hypophysectomized dogs was found to be approximately 66% of that of the control, sham hypophysectomized, dogs. The rates of secretion of 17-hydroxycorticosterone, corticosterone and 11-desoxy-17-hydroxycorticosterone were found to be approximately 10% of that of the controls. The ability of the hypophysectomized dog to remain in electrolyte balance appears to be due in large measure to the continued secretion of aldosterone.