Effect of Adrenal and Parathyroid on Electrolyte Excretion in Rat[*]

Abstract

Differences and interactions between the adrenal and parathyroid were found in studies of electrolyte excretion in control, adx, ptx and adx-ptx rats before and during administration of aldosterone, PTE and both hormones. The increased urine Na and CI and decreased K found in the adx-ptx rats compared to the other groups was a new, unexplained finding. Aldosterone caused a decrease in all groups in urine Na and CI, in urine PO₄, except in adx-ptx rats, and in stool Ca, and a rise in urine K in all groups. PTE, in contrast, caused an increase in urine Na and CI in all groups except the adx-ptx rats, and in urine and stool PO₄ and Ca in all groups. The combination of the two hormones, not previously studied, caused the same decrease in urine Na but much higher urine K and CI values than with aldosterone alone. Much of the phosphaturic effect of PTE was blocked by addition of aldosterone, but little of the effect on stool PO₄ and urine and stool Ca. A primary role for the adrenal gland in Mg balance was not suggested by the results in the adx rats and with aldosterone administration. PTE caused no change in urine Mg in control and adx rats, but a rise in ptx and adx-ptx rats. Addition of aldosterone reversed these results which appeared related to presence or absence of the parathyroid.

The changes listed suggest complex interrelations between adrenal and parathyroid as to electrolyte excretion, which require further study of renal clearances, bone electrolyte and intestinal electrolyte absorption and secretion rates.

Key words

Adrenal Gland - Parathyroid Gland - Electrolyte Excretion - Aldosterone - Parathyroid Extract

1 Supported by Grant-in-Aid, U.S. Public Health Service 4 ROl 08247

1 Supported by Grant-in-Aid, U.S. Public Health Service 4 ROl 08247

2 Present address: 413 Scott PI., Pasadena, California 91103, USA.