SPECIES DIFFERENCES IN THE DERANGEMENT OF MINERAL METABOLISM AFTER ADRENALECTOMY

Abstract

Rabbits have been shown to resist sodium chloride restriction even after adrenalectomy. The renal mechanisms of reabsorbing sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate are well developed in this animal species and do not necessitate mineralocorticoids except in cases of forced sodium loss, such as due to starvation or thiazide medication. There exists a series of marked species differences in the development of these renal tubular mechanisms in the order of rabbits, rats, and dogs. This is reflected in the species difference in the derangement of mineral metabolism after adrenalectomy.