Effects of Prolonged Inhibition of 11β-Hydroxylase in the Dog

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Prolonged inhibition of 11[beta]-hydroxylation in the adrenal cortex has been produced in 8 normal dogs by means of mepyrapone (Metoplrone; Su-4885). Physiologic changes which occurred consisted of blood pressure elevation, hypokalemia, polyuria, a decrease in urinary specific gravity, and an increase in urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids. Many of these changes, including the blood pressure elevation, were reversed by administration of dexamethasone. Adrenal hyperplasia was noted in several of the animals. These changes are thought to be similar to those occurring in the hypertensive form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Additional evidence is thus provided for the theory of 11[beta]-hydroxylase deficiency as the cause of this disease. An experimental model has been described which may aid in further study of the physiologic changes resulting from this enzymatic abnormality.