THE EFFECT OF DESOXYCORTICOSTERONE ACETATE ON WATER AND ELECTROLYTE DISTRIBUTION1

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Abstract
The inulin space was measured before and after 5 days of desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) treatment in cynomolgus monkeys maintained on a low salt diet. Muscle, bone and tendon water and electrolyte composition of the DOCA-treated animals were compared with those of normal controls. That the extracellular volume of muscle increased following DOCA treatment was indicated by an increase in Na and Cl content of muscle without a change in plasma concentration. The magnitude of that increment was comparable to that of the overall inulin space, indicating that a true increase in extracellular volume had occurred. Since the plasma electrolyte concentrations were unchanged by DOCA treatment, it is concluded that a transfer of Na and Cl into the extracellular fluid occurred. Analysis of tendon and bone did not indicate that the Na and Cl were contributed by these tissues.