Mechanisms of Impaired Water Excretion in Adrenal and Pituitary Insufficiency. IV. Antidiuretic Hormone in Primary and Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency *

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Abstract
The concentration of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in the peripheral venous plasma of untreated adrenal-insufficient dogs, rats, and humans has been measured with a sensitive and accurate bioassay. It has been possible to demonstrate that adrenal insufficiency does not alter the release, turnover, or action of ADH. No detectable ADH was present in the plasma of water-loaded humans or animals with adrenal insufficiency despite a markedly impaired water diuresis. ADH is therefore not responsible for the defective water excretion. These studies strongly suggest that among other possible mechanisms, adrenal glucocorticoids have a direct effect on the permeability to water of certain biologic membranes.

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