[Adrenal circulation of rabbits in hemorrhagic and endotoxin shock]

Tissue circulation of the adrenal gland which is known as antishock organ was investigated by the hydrogen clearance method in hemorrhagic and endotoxin shock using rabbits. Mean blood pressure was maintained at 35 mmHg for two hours in the hemorrhagic group, while 2mg/kg of endotoxin was injected intravenously in the endotoxin group. The data obtained were as follows: Adrenal tissue circulation and renal circulation were reduced to 40% and 14.9%, respectively in the hemorrhagic group and reduced to 69% and 48%, respectively in the endotoxin group. Plasma corticosterone concentration was significantly elevated in both groups. Plasma beta-glucuronidase was significantly elevated in both groups and most animals died within 72 hours. From these data we concluded that adrenal circulation was distributed preferentially at the sacrifice of renal circulation in the shocked state.