Roger K. McDonald

Determination of urinary 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid in man

Abstract A precise and reliable method for the determination of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-mandelic acid (VMA) is described. This method utilizes a radioactive tracer and ion exchange fractionation. Normal values for urinary excretion of VMA are reported for male and female volunteer subjects.

Effect of synthetic lysine-vasopressin on plasma hydrocortisone levels in man.

Summary 1. In man, the intravenous injection of synthetic lysine-vasopressin causes a rise in plasma hydrocortisone concentration comparable to that following the intravenous administration of Pitressin. The effect of the latter is therefore not due to impurities. 2. The pressor effect of synthetic vasopressin is of the same order as that noted following the injection of Pitressin.

Effect of Aspirin and Reserpine on Adrenocortical Response to Piromen in Man

Conclusions 1. Intravenous administration of 0.1 γg Piromen/kg body weight to young, normal male and female subjects causes a significant rise in body temperature and plasma hydrocortisone levels. 2. Increased concentration of plasma free 17-OHCS following Piromen administration has been shown to be the result of increased secretion of hydrocortisone. 3. The rise in plasma hydrocortisone distinctly precedes the elevation of body temperature above 37°C. Fever is, therefore, not the cause of the elevated plasma hydrocortisone levels. 4. The increases in plasma hydrocortisone levels, eosinopenia, temperature, and pulse rate caused by Piromen administration are significantly lessened by the concomitant administration of aspirin. 5. Administration of reserpine in a dose of 4 mg/24-hr period caused no hypothermia in normal human subjects. 6. Pyrogenic, eosinopenic, and adrenocortical stimulatory effects of Piromen are not altered by the prior and concomitant administration of reserpine.

Relationship between endogenous antidiuretic hormone activity and ACTH release in man.

Summary 1) The hypothesis that ADH is the neurohormone responsible for ACTH release has been investigated in normal human subjects by simultaneous determination of urine osmolality and plasma hydrocortisone levels in various test situations. 2) The data indicate that in normal human subjects endogenous ADH release may occur without an increase in ACTH release. Furthermore, it has been shown that an increase in ACTH release may occur without evidence of ADH release. These observations fail to support the concept that endogenous ADH release stimulates the release of ACTH.

Effect of pitressin on adrenocortical activity in man.

Summary Intravenous administration of Pitressin causes a significant increase in plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentration in human subjects.

Effect of lactate on renal tubular transfer of p-aminohippurate in man.

Summary The intravenous administration of sodium lactate causes a statistically significant increase in TmPAH in man. The average maximum increase amounted to 30% of the preinjection levels, and the effect was observed in each of 8 subjects tested twice. Neither the observed increases in pH8 and (BHCO3) nor the changes in renal blood flow appear to bear a causal relationship to the increases in TmPAH produced. The technical assistance of Mrs. Elsie Beard, Miss Margaret McCollum, Mr. Arthur Dinan, and Mr. W. Irving Jones is gratefully acknowledged.

Effect of Mercury on Renal Tubular Transfer of p-Aminohippurate and Glucose in Man

Summary The intravenous administration of 78 mg of organically bound mercury (2 cc mercuzanthin) causes a significant decrease in the TmPAH but no significant change in the Tm6 in man. It is concluded that under the conditions of this study mercury had no effect on the renal tubular glucose transfer system in man.

Effect of Arginine-Vasopressin and Lysine-Vasopressin on Plasma 17-Hydroxycorticosteroid Levels in Man

Summary (1) Intravenous administration of highly purified arginine-vasopressin in man is associated with a significant increase in plasma concentration of free 17-OHCS. (2) Highly purified lysine-vasopressin causes higher plasma 17-OHCS levels than highly purified arginine-vasopressin when administered by means of an intravenous injection. (3) Increase in plasma concentration of free 17-OHCS observed when Pitressin is administered in man can be completely accounted for by the vasopressin content of Pitressin. The authors wish to express appreciation to Daniel W. Clink, Francis A. Esposito, and Raymond W. Patrick for technical assistance.

Effect of oxytocin on adrenocortical activity in man.

Conclusions Intravenous infusion of either Pitocin or highly purified oxytocin is not associated with increased plasma concentrations or urinary excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids.

Observations on Effects of Altitude on Renal Function

Conclusion Upon exposure of animals to altitude, 1) glomerular filtration rate response varies widely with the individual, 2) TmPAH is increased or unaffected, and 3) TmG is decreased or unaffected.