[Role of the epiphysis in the regulation of aldosterone secretion]

Experiments were made on 188 white rats. Immunoreactive aldosterone, sodium and calcium excretion with urine were determined. Administration of the polypeptide drug epithalamine to intact animals promoted sodium excretion reduction, immunoreactive aldosterone elevation in the blood plasma. On the contrary, during epithalamine administration following aldosterone secretion stimulation (by shock reproduction) there was an increase in sodium excretion and a decrease in the aldosterone level. It is concluded that the epiphysis produces a different action on adrenal mineralocorticoids, depending on their initial function.