DIURESIS DURING MAINTENANCE OF ADRENALECTOMIZED DOGS WITH ASCITES ON CORTISONE

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Abstract
Renal function and electrolyte balances were studied during admn. of cortisone to adrenalectomized dogs with thoracic inferior caval constriction and to simple adrenalectomized dogs. The increase in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow appeared to result primarily from an action of cortisone on the renal vascular bed. Cortisone failed to effect Na retention in the adrenalectomized dogs with thoracic inferior caval constriction. Ascitic fluid accumulated on desoxycorticosterone acetate (DCA) but diuresis began at the onset of cortisone admn. and continued until all ascites disappeared in spite of large doses of cortisone. It is concluded that hormones with DCA-like activity rather than cortisone are essential for ascites formation. In the simple adrenalectomized dogs, Na loss occurred initially but balance was achieved later. Data suggest that cortisone influences Na excretion by 2 opposing actions: augmented Na reabsorption by a weak effect on renal tubular transport and increased Na loss by elevated GFR.