[Function of the adrenal medullary layer in rats with experimental alloxan diabetes]

The level of catecholamines in the adrenals and catecholamine synthesis during incubation of adrenal slices in the presence of L-tyrosine were investigated in rats with alloxan diabetes mellitus. Experiments were conducted in 2 groups of rats with experimental diabetes mellitus: intact animals and those subjected to immobilization for 1 h. The results were compared with those of the investigation of 2 similar groups of control animals. In experimental alloxan diabetes the concentration of adrenaline in the adrenals was lowered. An increase in the adrenaline level in the incubation medium was noted in the control group of rats subjected to immobilization, and in the group of intact diabetic animals. No significant rise of adrenaline secretion was observed in diabetic animals subjected to immobilization.