The Levels of Circulating Eosinophils and Their Response to ACTH in Surgery

Relation of Electrolyte Changes and Adrenocortical Activity to Paralytic Ileus

“…At this time, more than three days after operation. the eosinophil count would be expected to be within normal limits if recovery was uncomplicated (Roche, Thorn, and Hills, 1950;Coppinger and Goldner, 1950;Johnson, Conn, lob, and Coller, 1950). On the other hand, in patients who develop infection or other post-operative complications causing prolongation of the usual adreno-cortical response to the operation, eosinopenia will persist, often in the absence of leucocytosis, as long as the complication is present, in the same way as eosinopenia will be observed for the full duration of continuous intravenous A.C.T.H.…”

Primary and Secondary Leucocyte Changes Following the Intramuscular Injection of Epinephrine Hydrochloride 1

“…In experimental animals the removal of the anterior pituitary gland or the adrenal cortex, however, vitiates the secondary lymphopenia and eosinopenic response to epinephrine (9). In human subjects during states of hypoadrenal activity, the secondary eosinopenic response to epinephrine has been shown to be absent (11).…”

“…Among the clinical syndromes to which the test may be applicable are hypopituitary states (9), Addison's disease (9,10) and situations in which a low adrenal reserve may be a threat to the survival of the patient, as during surgery (11).…”

The Effects of Surgery on the Blood Levels and Metabolism and 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids in Man12

“…It has been demonstrated that the metabolic effects of surgery simulate in certain respects the effects of the administration of adrenal steroids (10,11).…”