Accumulation of ascites during maintenance of adrenalectomized dogs with thoracic inferior vena cava constriction on a high sodium diet without hormone therapy.

Abstract

Adrenalectomized dogs with thoracic inferior vena cava constriction and ascites were maintained on a high Na regimen (160–240 mEq/day of Na) without replacement therapy. Maintenance was successful only after Na citrate was added to the high salt diet to prevent acidosis. When the quantity of ingested Na exceeded that excreted by the kidneys in three of the four animals, Na retention occurred and ascites accumulated. The large intake of Na required to exceed the high rate of renal Na excretion emphasizes the important role of the adrenal cortex in the pathogenesis of ascites.