EFFECT OF DIGITOXIN AND k-STROPHANTIN ON THE ADRENALS AND TESTES OF THE GUINEA-PIG

Glycosides of the digitalis group and steroids of the adrenal cortex are known to have somewhat similar effects on the electrolyte balance and carbohydrate metabolism of the organism (for references, see Pyörälä & Eränkö, 1957). There are also investigations, according to which digitalis glycosides influence the function of the adrenal cortex. Zwemer et al. (1940) and Kinsell et al. (1942) observed that treatment with glycosides causes a decrease in the lipid content of the adrenal cortex. Gardner et al. (1954), on the other hand, found in rats treated with g-strophantin an enlargement of the adrenal glomerulosa with an increase in its lipid content. According to Metzler (1949, 1951, 1952) glycoside treatment in guinea-pigs causes an adrenal hypertrophy, increases the adrenal hypertrophy caused by exercise, and prevents the adrenal atrophy caused by desoxycorticosterone acetate. Kuschinsky (1947) and Moskopf & Sarre (1953, 1954, 1955) found that digitalis glycosides increase the performance of