The Effect of Sex Hormones on the Renal Excretion of Electrolytes

In normal male dogs subcutaneous injections of progesterone, estrone, alpha-estradiol or testosterone propionate were followed by a decreased renal excretion of sodium and chloride. The compounds differed markedly in their potency and in the duration of the effect following a single subcutaneous injection. The injection of estrone, alpha-estradiol or testosterone propionate was followed by a decreased renal excretion of inorganic phosphorus and total nitrogen. On the day of injection a slight increase in the renal excretion of potassium frequently followed administration of progesterone, estrone, alpha-estradiol or testosterone propionate. Experiments on suprarenalectomized dogs indicated that the effect of the sex hormones on the renal excretion of electrolytes was not necessarily mediated through the suprarenal gland. With the possible exception of progesterone none of the compounds studied was effective in prolonging the life of suprarenalectomized male dogs.