Effect of cortisone on protein loss and carbohydrate gain in normal and simulated altitude-exposed mice

¹ Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

Protein catabolism and carbohydrate spared or synthesized following injection of 5 mg cortisone in fasted normal mice were equal, but in fasted, altitude-exposed mice (simulated 20,000 ft. continuously for 3–5 wk.) there was less carbohydrate increase than protein decrease. In fed mice of both groups a balance between protein loss and carbohydrate increase was observed after cortisone, but the absolute quantities involved were less in altitude-exposed animals. Fasted altitude-exposed mice excreted more urinary nitrogen than controls. However, administration of bacterial endotoxin to the hypoxic group decreased the urinary nitrogen to normal levels. ACTH failed to increase urinary nitrogen under these conditions in both groups. Altitude-exposed mice were also significantly more susceptible to endotoxin than normal mice. Both glutamic-oxaloacetic and glutamic-pyruvic transaminases were lower in the livers of altitude-exposed mice than in normal animals. These enzymes were also lower 4 weeks after adrenalectomy and 17 hours after the injection of 5 mg cortisone.