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T HERE has been a recent increase of interest in the measurement of electrolyte activity of the adrenal cortical steroids. Studies have been made not only on the role of the known steroids in fluid and electrolyte regulation, but also on the question of what electrolyte-active compounds are secreted by the adrenal cortex and appear in blood and in urine.Methods of bioassay, based on the effects of steroids on sodium and potassium excretion, have been used in the detection of a highly active corticoid in adrenal cortical extract and adrenal vein blood (Grundy, Simpson, Tait, and Woodford, 1952). A similar corticoid has been found to appear in unusual quantity in the urine of certain patients with edema (Luetscher and Johnson, 1953). The increased sodium-retaining activity of urine extracts from these edematous patients has been observed to decrease when diuresis was induced Luetscher, Deming and Johnson, 1951). Further investigation will be necessary to evaluate the importance of such adrenal cortical secretions in the regulation of electrolyte balance.Dorfman (1953) has recently reviewed the results, precision, and limitations of the sensitive methods for assay of desoxycorticosterone and some related compounds. The present report includes an examination of certain aspects of experimental design and calculation of results by which the assay can be directed to answer specific questions. The method presented allows a qualitative distinction between the effects of 11-desoxy and 11-oxycorticosteroids, as well as a quantitative estimate of desoxycorticosterone-like effects. METHOD OF ASSAYFor each assay nine female albino rats of the Slonaker strain (Stanford colony, inbred since 1924) weighing 150 to 160 grams, are used. Bilateral adrenalectomy is performed

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