Sodium and Potassium Excretion in Pinealectomized and Adrenalectomized Rats.

Abstract

1. Pinealectomized rats retained more sodium than sham-operated or unoperated control rats. 2. The amount of sodium retained by adrenalectomized-pinealectomized rats was not different from that retained by adrenalectomized rats. 3. No effect of the pineal gland on potassium retention was observed in these experiments. 4. It was concluded that the pineal gland may elaborate a hormone which causes loss of sodium and evidence is presented to suggest that it acts via the adrenal gland.