| Abstract: | Experimented with operated, sham-operated, and comparison male Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 74). Adrenalectomized (Adrex) rats adjusted well during adrenal insufficiency when saline solutions were available. Despite continuous uncontrolled losses of relatively large amounts of sodium in their urine, they managed to maintain body fluids at approximately normal levels by replacing crucial sodium losses, if only temporarily, through frequent intakes of saline. It is concluded that the threshold for sodium appetite in Adrex rats is associated with relatively small sodium deficits, and roughly similar deficits also are effective in stimulating sodium appetite in intact Ss. When more pronounced losses result from maintenance on a sodium-free diet, Adrex Ss rapidly drink more than enough saline to replace their deficits. Thus, it seems evident that mineralocorticoids need not have a vital role in either the initial salt-drinking response of intact Ss to minor sodium deficits or their overcompensation for moderate sodium deficits. (32 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
