INFLUENCE OF PARTIAL ADRENALECTOMY ON THE WORK CAPACITY OF RATS

Abstract

33 partially adrenalectomized and 9 totally adrenalectomized rats were compared with sham operated controls as to survival, weight change, blood-sugar level, and capacity to resist work and anesthesia. All of the totals manifested adrenal insufficiency during the 15-day delay period but the partials could not be differentiated from normal until they were anesthetized (Na luminal) and the gastrocnemius muscle stimulated to lift 100 gm. 3 times per second. A close relationship existed between the amount of adrenal tissue present at autopsy and the amt. of work accomplished during a 120-hr. period.