Effect of acute changes in plasma calcium on adrenocortical secretory rates

Increases in plasma calcium levels caused by the infusion of calcium gluconate resulted in enhanced adrenocortical secretory rates in anesthetized dogs. Hypocalcemia resulting from the infusion of EDTA had no discernible effect on adrenocortical secretory rates, and hypophysectomy abolished the rise in secretory rates noted in the hypercalcemic intact animals. The mechanisms by which calcium may effect adrenocortical secretion are discussed with respect to its effect at various sites in the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenocortical system.Predoctoral trainee (PHS GM 738).