THE PLASMA PROTEIN CONCENTRATIONS AND ORGAN WEIGHTS OF RATS ON A HIGH PROTEIN DIET12

Abstract

IT HAS BEEN SHOWN that an important relationship exists between the adrenal cortex and the serum protein concentrations. Administration of adrenal cortical extract to hypophysectomized rats will largely prevent the fall in serum albumin usually evident after removal of this gland but does not prevent the rise in globulin concentration. Administration of stilbestrol to stimulate the adrenal cortex of normal rats causes a significant rise in serum albumin concentration (Levin and Leathern, 1942). Moreover, adrenalectomy in cats and dogs where a high degree of adrenal cortical insufficiency is readily obtained is followed by a decrease in serum albumin and a rise in globulin which can be corrected by adequate amounts of adrenal cortical extracts (Levin, Leathern and Crafts, 1942; Hartman, Lewis, Thatcher and Street, 1942). Furthermore, White and Dougherty (1945) have shown that injection of adrenal cortical extract is quickly followed by a rise in serum globulin in rabbits.