SODIUM, CHLORIDE AND PROTEIN CHANGES INDUCED BY ADRENALECTOMY AND GLUCOSE ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

After adrenalectomy in cats a progressive diminution occurs in Na and Cl concns. in blood serum and liver and muscle tissues. The serum protein is also somewhat reduced. Intraperitoneal injection of glucose soln. depresses the tissue and serum Na and Cl concns. to levels much lower than those observed in adrenal insufficiency, but without deleterious effect on the animal. Extreme reductions of Na and Cl, 2-3 times below those found after adrenalectomy, must be imposed before a fatal result ensues. Muscular tremors and prostration follow the administration of large amts. of glucose by intraperitoneal injection. The condition, which is apparently due to excessive salt loss induced by osmotic interchange, may last 24 hrs. or more before ending in recovery or death. It is qualitatively and fundamentally different from the severe convulsive (hy-poglycemic) seizures of adrenal insufficiency.