Hemorrhagic Shock and the Adrenal Cortex

摘要

Adrenal cortical function was studied during and following prolonged hemorrhagic shock. Seventeen mongrel dogs were subjected to hemorrhagic shock for periods of 1-20 hours. As long as perfusion through the adrenal was maintained at greater than 1 ml/min., there was an increased secretion of corticosteroids. When adrenal blood flow was less than 1 ml/min., corticosteroid secretion was significantly decreased. Reinfusion after as long as 3 hours of shock was accompanied by return of normal adrenal cortical function. Reinfusion after 5 hours of hypotension did not restore corticosteroid secretion nor ACTH response to normal. This group of experiments suggests that the adrenal is very resistant to ischemic damage. Baseline studies on the metabolic clearance rates of insulin and growth hormone were carried out in dogs and monkeys. These experiments have provided the background for experiments on metabolic clearance and secretion rates in hemorrhagic shock which are currently underway. (Author)