Effect of Saline Infusions on Aldosterone Secretion and Electrolyte Excretion in Normal Subjects and Patients with Primary Aldosteronism

Abstract

IT is well established that aldosterone secretion in man is determined in part by the sodium content of the diet1 , 2 and that the administration of large amounts of sodium to normal subjects, in contrast to patients with primary aldosteronism,3 leads to a decrease in aldosterone excretion4 , 5 or secretion.6 However, there is less information on the amount and rate of salt administration necessary to suppress aldosterone secretion in normal subjects, nor has the time sequence of this response been well defined. Apart from its physiologic interest, a more precise definition of the normal response to salt loading may help to distinguish . . .