[Adrenal mineralocorticoid function in sodium deficit with adequate or excess water consumption].

Upon addition of 3H-progesterone to the incubation medium the in vitro aldosterone production by the capsular part of the adrenals increased in rats exposed to two-week restriction of sodium intake, while that of deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone declined. The specific activity of corticosteroids appreciably rose which could suggest a decrease in the intensity of pregnenolone production in the early stage of the biosynthesis. The peripheral plasma aldosterone level increased considerably. During sodium restriction and excess water intake the biosynthesis of aldosterone remained unchanged whereas its blood concentration did not rise. The excess water intake with sodium restriction is supposed to reinforce the metabolic clearance of aldosterone.