Abstract
OkNE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS of the suprarenal glands is the maintenance of the electrolyte equilibrium of the blood plasma, markedly modified in suprarenal insufficiency (Addi-son's disease) which is evidenced by natropenia, hypochloremia and hyperpotassemia. This electrolyte disequilibrium is in accord with the diminution of the blood volume, the increase in non-protein nitrogen and the diminution of the alkaline reserve in the blood. In 1939, Hartman (1) reported a substance, other than cortin, which was able to increase the sodium content of the blood plasma. In 1940 (2, 3), the same author and his coworkers claimed to have found in suprarenal extracts two separable and distinct substances: cortin, directly related to the vital function of the adrenal cortex, and a substance desig-nated as Na factor (1), occurring in the cortex as well as in the medulla. The Na factor was considered to be responsible for the maintenance of the normal value of the sodium cation in the plasma. Its deficiency promotes the loss of sodium through the kidneys occur-ring in adrenal insufficiency. Hartman described the results obtained in his experimental work undertaken on adrenalectomised cats and dogs. He reached the following conclusions.
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