Plasma Volume and Electrolyte Changes Induced by 2-Methyl-9 Alpha Fluorohydrocortisone in Fasted Adrenalectomized Dogs. ∗

Abstract

Summary

Adrenalectomized dogs maintained in good health on 0.5 mg/DCA/day were deprived of food and water for 48 hours and repeatedly injected with the analog of hydrocortisone, 2-methyl-9αL-fluorohydrocortisone. Following injection simultaneous increases of plasma volume and plasma Na occurred along with hemodilution and decrease in plasma K and blood urea nitrogen. The animals continued to excrete Na, Cl and K during the fast, leading to further loss of water and electrolyte. The hormone apparently induced an outflux of fluid and electrolyte from unidentified sources but which are presumed to be cells, bone and collagenous tissues. The experiments afford further evidence that the adrenal cortex elaborates hormones which exert regulatory control over internal distribution of water and certain electrolytes between fluid compartments of the body.