The Effect of Total and Subtotal Adrenalectomy on the Renal and Extra-Renal Response of the Domestic Duck (Anas Platyrhynchus) to Saline Loading¹

Total adrenalectomy of the saline loaded domestic duck resulted in complete obliteration of the extra-renal excretory response. Subtotal adrenalectomy resulted in a diminished response to the saline load compared to similarly treated intact control birds. The maintenance of adrenalectomized ducks on cortisol restored the extra-renal excretory pattern to near normal levels. The significance of this, and previous investigations of the extra-renal process i n marine birds, is discussed.