Effects of chronic changes in dietary electrolytes and acute stress on plasma levels of corticosterone and aldosterone in the duck (Anas platyrhynchos).

Plasma levels of corticosterone and aldosterone were determined by radioimmunoassay in ducks consuming diets containing different concentrations of sodium and potassium. Compared with control diet birds, maintenance on a high-Na+ diet for 5 days caused a 2-fold increase in the basal plasma corticosterone concentration, while adaptation for 8 days to a low-Na+ diet resulted in a 2.6-fold increase in the basal plasma concentration of aldosterone. Both corticosterone and aldosterone basal plasma levels were greatly elevated in birds denied access to drinking water for 4 days. Adaptation to a high-Na+ diet or deprivation of water resulted in hyperosmolality and hypernatremia, while the high-K+, low-Na+/low-K+, and low-Na+ diets did not significantly alter the plasma sodium or potassium levels from the control levels. In addition, birds were stressed by semi-immobilization to determine the effects of acute stress-induced ACTH secretion on the adrenocortical response following changes in dietary sodium and potassium intake. In ducks adapted to low-Na+/low-K+, high-Na+, and low-Na+ diets, stress-induced adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) increased the aldosterone, but not the corticosterone, response to a level significantly greater than in the controls. These results demonstrate that in the duck secretion of corticosterone and aldosterone can be independently regulated. Furthermore, the endocrine changes that are induced by altered sodium and potassium intake are reflected in the adrenocortical responses to acute stress.