Elliott Collins

Adrenal Insufficiency in Dogs with Normal Serum Na and CL

Summary A group of 5 adrenalectomized dogs of a large series studied, developed typical signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency in the absence of noteworthy alterations in the serum Na and CI values. Hypoglycemia was not present in any of the animals but during insufficiency dehydration and hemoconcentration were evident in 3 of them as indicated by marked increases in hemoglobin. In view of the inspissation of the blood in these dogs it seemed probable that sufficient water was not available for elimination of the electrolytes. This is the interpretation originally given by Nicholson and Soffer(4) to account for the death of their salt-injected dogs. However, a comparison of the hemoglobin concentrations of 8 adrenalectomized dogs exhibiting insufficiency with hyponatriemia (avg. 128 mEq/1) with the hemoglobin increases shown by the 5 animals discussed here, reveals that the hemoconcentration as gauged by hemoglobin changes was not more severe in the latter group. It is unfortunate that plasma volume determinations were not made. However, the drastic decline in arterial pressure and evident weakness of the animals indicated that defective functioning of the vasomotor system was probably the immediate cause of the symptoms. The hyperkaliemia of one dog was of sufficient magnitude to induce cardiac symptoms. The retention of a normal serum electrolyte pattern during insufficiency in these few exceptional dogs is reminiscent of the condition normally occurring in adrenal insufficiency in such animals as the opossum, marmot hamster (13) and certain elasmobranchs.

Effect of Intravenous Injections of Desoxycorticosterone Glucoside upon Blood Glucose of Adrenalectomized Dogs.

Summary and Conclusion (A) Three types of fasted adrenalectomized dogs were studied: (1) those maintained in normal health; (2) those exhibiting mild insufficiency symptoms; and (3) animals in severe adrenal crisis. When these dogs were injected intravenously with massive doses of DCG, only occasional blood glucose changes were observed. These infrequent rises in glucose were associated with marked improvement in the circulation of the animal, increased hydration, increased vigor and muscular activity. (B) A fasted, intact dog, injected with 300 mg DCG, did not show any significant changes in blood sugar level over a 24-hour period

Plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentrations in fasted dogs following oral administration of hydrocortisone esters.

Summary Plasma 17-OHCS concentrations in the dog have been compared following oral administration of hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone cyclopentylpropionate, hydrocortisone acetate, hydrocortisone α-ethylbutyrate, and hydrocortisone α-ethylisovalerate. Prompt elevation of plasma 17-OHCS occurred within an hour after administration of any of these steroids. The magnitude of the response varied with the ester and dose but was always less than observed after an equivalent dose of hydrocortisone. At higher doses, the esters displayed a more prolonged elevation of plasma 17-OHCS than found after hydrocortisone. In this respect, hydrocortisone cyclopentylpropionate was superior to other preparations studied. It is concluded that esterification alters the rate of steroid absorption.

Biological profile of various growth hormone preparations.

Summary Growth hormone isolated from 6 different species was compared for its ability to increase width of epiphyseal plate and to stimulate radio-sulfate incorporation by costal cartilage. Human, beef, monkey, and sheep preparations manifested almost identical effects in the 2 assays. Whale and pig hormones appeared to elicit greater effect in the tibia test. Whale growth hormone was observed to have greater duration of activity to stimulate radio-sulfate incorporation than other preparations studied. Short-term radio-sulfate assay appears to be of value for qualitative detection of growth-promoting activity.