Histochemical and morphometrical changes in the adrenal glands in the course of circulatory failure

The histological and biochemical changes in adrenal function has been studied in 50 male cats with circulatory failure. The adrenal glands were examined by morphometric, histochemical and histoenzymological methods after a preliminarily study of the histoenzymological profile of the adrenal glands in intact animals. Five hours after hypotension induced by intravenous injection of trimethaphan and 5 hours after a single massive bleeding, a decrease in adrenal function was observed. Adrenal insufficiency especially of the glucocorticoid release in the course of acute circulatory failure can be considered as a peculiar adaptation of the organism to preserve its life. The demonstrated decrease of adrenal function in the first hours of hypoxia may help in planning hormonal therapy under suitable conditions.