Effects of Altered Acid-Base Balance on Adrenocortical Function in Anesthetized Dogs

¹ From the Naval Medical Research Institute, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland

Effect of altered acid-base balance, induced by the intravenous infusion of either hydrochloric acid or sodium bicarbonate, on adrenocortical function in anesthetized dogs was studied. The secretory activity of the adrenal cortex was determined by measuring 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in adrenal venous blood. Adrenocortical stimulation occurred in dogs with a profound decrease in arterial ph and bicarbonate concentration in the presence of a normal arterial CO₂ tension (acid infusions) and in dogs with increased arterial CO₂ tension and bicarbonate concentration in the presence of a normal arterial ph (bicarbonate infusions). It is concluded that concomitant alterations in both arterial ph and CO₂ tension are not required to initiate an adrenocortical response, and it is suggested that a suitable change in either of these factors may act as a pituitary-adrenocortical stimulus.