Extracellular and Intracellular Water Loss during Suprarenal Insufficiency in the Dog

Summary

The initial hemoconcentration which is observed in suprarenal insufficiency in the dog is due at least in part to a renal loss of extracellular fluid. It is followed during the early stage of repair by a further loss of water, primarily intracellular in origin, a reflection of cellular damage which is not made manifest until this reanal excretion takes place during the recovery phase. The first effect of the cortical hormone upon the animal in suprarenal insufficiency is to produce an increased urinary excretion of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphates, followed by retention of sodium and of chlorides.

The ultimate effect of the hormone is the restoration and maintenance of the proper plasma concentrations of potassium and sodium through regulation of their renal excretion. Hence, it plays a predominant rôle in the stabilization of a proper volume of extracellular fluid.