Blood pressure and metabolic effects of ACTH in anephric sheep

1. ACTH (80--100 iu/day) was administered to seven sheep for 3--5 days following bilateral nephrectomy. 2. ACTH treatment produced rises in mean arterial pressure in anephric sheep similar to those observed in intact animals. Following withdrawal of ACTH, blood pressure declined over the following 72 h. 3. ACTH produced a transient fall in plasma potassium and anephric sheep, suggesting an internal redistribution mechanism for this ion. 4. These studies demonstrate that adrenal steroid hormones can modify blood pressure in the absence of the kidney.