The effects of canrenoate K on corticosteroid biosynthesis in nephrectomized dogs.

There is evidence from in vitro experiments that spironolactone not only antagonises the peripheral effects of aldosterone but also inhibits the production of corticosteroids by the adrenals. However relevant data from clinical studies are contradictory probably because spironolactone action on the kidneys also activates other mechanisms, such as renin secretion and potassium retention, which are potent stimulants of the adrenal cortex and thus tend to compensate for the inhibition. To determine the inhibitory effect of spironolactone on the adrenals in isolation, three groups of nephrectomized dogs were studied.

The role of serum calcium on carbohydrate metabolism in severely uraemic patients.

In 25 severely uraemic patients, the relation of serum calcium levels and oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) was studied. Seventeen of the 25 patients, who had a creatinine clearance of 6.16 +/- 1.

Adrenal responsiveness during and after intermittent haemodialysis.

ACTH and cortisol were measured by radioimmunoassay in 15 patients undergoing long term haemodialysis. Also a basal ACTH stimulation test was done by administration of 250 micrograms of Synachten (Synthetic ACTH, CIBA foundation) and the results compared with those of normal controls and end-stage chronic renal failure patients (CRF). All 15 had been receiving intermittent haemodialysis three times weekly for 5 hours on a twin coil dialyser.

Haemodialysis and hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis.

Disturbances in testicular function develop in uraemic patients, but the effect of haemodialysis on them has not been determined definitively. Because of this, 22 patients with chronic renal failure who were receiving regular dialysis treatment underwent studies of the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis before, during and after a dialysis. On all these occasions, serum testosterone concentrations were lower than the values found in 26 normal men.