Studies on the interrelationships of the adrenal cortex and renal ammonia excretion by the rat.

Abstract

It has been demonstrated recently that the renal capacity of the adrenalectomized animal to secrete ammonium and hydrogen ions is deficient under normal conditions and under conditions of moderate to severe acid stress (Sartorius et al., 1952). Failure to salvage adequately fixed base from the tubular urine in exchange for hydrogen or ammonium ions, results not only in increased loss of base but in a disturbance of body acid base balance. These facts probably account for the chronic acidosis and the poor tolerance to acid stress commonly exhibited by animals with adrenal insufficiency. The present study was undertaken (a) to determine the capacity of normal and adrenalectomized animals to excrete ammonia and titratable acid when acutely subjected to mild and severe acid stress, (b) to assess the effects of desoxycorticosterone acetate and adrenal cortical extract on ammonia and titratable acid excretion by the adrenalectomized and normal rat,