ROLE OF THE ADRENAL GLANDS IN SHOCK

Abstract

There is considerable evidence to substantiate the postulate that the adrenal cortex acts as a protective mechanism against the development of many of the so-called states of shock. Adrenalectomy produces a state of shock. Normal health and vigor under ordinary conditions may be maintained in adrenalectomized dogs by injections of adrenal cortical extract. However, these dogs have circulatory collapse following any stimulus which puts a strain on the organism. 1 Certain investigators have called attention to the similarity of the signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency and those of secondary or traumatic shock and have suggested that the latter may be due to failure of adrenal cortical function.1 Selye and his co-workers 2 have reported that one of the tangible evidences of the organism's attempt to combat shock is found in their studies, which showed increased activity of the adrenal glands during recovery from shock. Weil and Browne 3 found