Glucocorticoids and Maintenance of Blood Pressure and Plasma Volume of Adrenalectomized Dogs Subjected to Stress. ∗

Summary

Sensitivity of adrenalectomized dogs to stress induced by intestinal manipulation and metrazol is aparently due to inspissation of the extracellular compartment owing to passage of water into cells. Plasma volume and blood pressure decline, eventuating in circulatory failure. Adrenal glucocorticoids readily release the intracellular fluid and restore the fasted, stressed, dogs to normal. Glucocorticoids may be associated with tissue enzymes which release energy requisite to reduce the cellular hyperhydration characteristic of adrenalectomized dogs exhibiting insufficiency, or shock following stress.