Effects of large doses of desoxycorticosterone acetate, cortisone acetate and ACTH in intact rhesus monkeys.

Abstract

SummaryThe effects of large doses of ACTH, cortisone acetate and desoxycorti-costerone acetate were investigated in the intact rhesus monkey. ACTH was without effect on hematocrit and the blood levels of glucose, non-protein nitrogen, amino acid nitrogen, inorganic phosphorous, sodium, potassium and chloride, although the adrenal glands were strongly stimulated as evidenced by adrenal gland weight and histological examination. Cortisone acetate and desoxy-corticosterone acetate effected a decrease in serum potassium and a lowering of the hematocrit without altering the levels of the other blood constituents. One of the 6 animals receiving cortisone suffered a significant weight loss, but hyperglycemia and elevated glucose tolerance curves were never observed. A transient polydipsia and edema were noted in the course of desoxycorticosterone administration.