ZUR WIRKUNG VON ALDOSTERON UND CORTICOSTERON AUF DEN ELEKTROLYT- UND WASSERGEHALT BINDEGEWEBIGER ORGANE DER RATTE

Abstract

ABSTRACT An attempt was made to elucidate the distribution of electrolytes and water in connective tissues of the rat by estimating the sodium, potassium and water content in muscle, liver, skin, cartilage, aorta, tendon and serum. Animal groups treated in the following manner were compared: 1. replacement of drinking water by 0.9 % saline, 2. adrenalectomy, 3. adrenalectomy and saline, 4. adrenalectomy, saline and treatment with aldosterone (25 μg d-aldosterone-monoacetate per day), 5. adrenalectomy, saline and treatment with corticosterone (2—4 mg per day). In the tissues investigated the electrolyte and water contents varied independently and differently in some cases. Sodium content or sodium depots respectively of the tissues were influenced in a variable manner. After administration of saline there was even a significant loss of amounts of sodium in the tendon and aorta of normal animals. After adrenal-ectomy and the development of severe insufficiency, the sodium content apart from the interstitial space of cellular tissues, was lowered only in the aorta. Moreover, adrenal insufficiency, partly compensated by administration of saline, led to loss of sodium in skin and cartilage, the latter loosing the largest relative amount. Treatment of adrenalectomized animals with aldosterone normalized the sodium content in all the connective tissues and caused retention of sodium in the cellular tissues. Adrenalectomized animals showed an increased water content in the connective as well as in the cellular tissues. The interstitial water especially in cartilage did not appear to be bound very tightly. After treatment with aldosterone a retention of water (without simultaneous retention of sodium in the connective tissues) could be observed in all tissues, whereas corticosterone normalized the water content in the connective tissues. Potassium was found to be increased in all tissues of markedly deficient animals. In addition retention of K in the connective tissues (interstitial space) requires a simultaneous imbibition or loosening of the interstitial tissue.