Action of Nor-Epinephrine and Adrenal Cortical Steroids on Blood Pressure and Work Performance of Adrenalectomized Dogs

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Abstract
Adrenalectomized dogs show an initially decreased blood pressure response to single injns. and continuous infusions of nor-epinephrine as compared to normal controls. Unlike the normal animal, the blood pressure response of the adrenalectomized animal to nor-epinephrine cannot be maintained, and becomes progressively lower with successive injns. or continuous infusions. The pressure falls to shock levels despite the admn. of large quantities of the drug. Single injns. of ACE potentiate the blood pressure response to previously ineffective concns. of nor-epinephrine in adrenalectomized dogs but not in normal controls. Desoxycorticosterone does not have this effect. When the blood pressure of fatigued adrenalectomized dogs was elevated above 60 to 80 mm. Hg by injns. of nor-epinephrine during the work stress, the contractility of the exhausted muscle was immediately restored and was maintained until the pressure again fell below these critical levels.