The Measurement of Corticosteroids in Adrenal Vein Blood of Sheep

Summary A double isotope dilution derivative method for determination of aldosterone, cortisol and corticosterone in adrenal vein blood of sheep is described. 14 C‐labelled steroids are used as the indicator and 3 H‐acetic‐ anhydride as the reagent for the formation of the labelled derivative. Experimental data accumulated from six years' use of the method are discussed with special emphasis on specificity, sensitivity, accuracy and precision. Mean secretion rates of aldosterone, cortisol and corticosterone from sodium replete and sodium deficient sheep with autotransplanted adrenals are presented.