EFFECT OF SYNTHETIC DESOXYCORTICOSTERONE ACETATE THERAPY ON PLASMA VOLUME AND ELECTROLYTE BALANCE IN NORMAL DOGS1

Abstract

EARLIER experiments indicated that the intramuscular injection of synthetic desoxycorticosterone acetate in oil rapidly induced striking dilution of the blood in adrenalectomised dogs (1). Previous studies in normal dogs (2) indicated that long–continued administration of excessive quantities of desoxycorticosterone acetate was followed by undesirable consequences. Direct plasma volume measurements were not reported in these experiments. In the present study an attempt has been made to follow the changes in plasma volume which occur during a relatively short period of therapy with desoxycorticosterone acetate. The efficacy of intramuscularly and sublingually administered hormone has been compared with and without supplementary sodium chloride medication. Normal male dogs (approximately 10 to 15 kg. in weight) were kept in metabolism cages and fed a constant diet consisting of 350 gm. of raw, ground beef and 50 cc. of irradiated evaporated milk to which was added 25 cc. of 10 per cent sodium chloride solution.