Cortisol and Aldosterone Excretion and Plasma Cortisol Concentrations in Normal and Obese Female Subjects

1972 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret E. Hankin ◽  
Helen M. Theile ◽  
A. W. Steinbeck
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Adrenocortical Function ◽  
Adrenocortical Activity ◽  
Obese Female ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Derivative Method ◽  
Obese Subjects ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control ◽  
Double Isotope

1. The 24 h urinary excretion of free cortisol and aldosterone-18-glucuronide has been studied in twenty-three control and twenty-three grossly obese subjects by a double-isotope-dilution derivative method. 2. Day-night variation of plasma and urinary cortisol has also been investigated. 3. The mean absolute steroid values were similar for the obese and non-obese subjects. 4. The 24 h urinary values for free cortisol expressed as μg/kg of body weight were significantly higher for the controls. 5. The majority of the obese and control subjects had a day-night variation of plasma cortisol. All subjects, with two exceptions, showed day-night variation of free cortisol in the urine. 6. It is suggested that the estimation of unconjugated cortisol in timed urinary collections could be useful for investigations of adrenocortical function. 7. The findings do not support the presence of increased adrenocortical activity in developed obesity.

Adrenocortical Function in Obesity and Cushing's Syndrome

1974 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret E. Hankin ◽  
Helen M. Theile ◽  
A. W. Steinbeck
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Adrenocortical Function ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Individual Values ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Obese Subjects ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Individual

1. The 24 h urinary excretions of Porter—Silber (P—S) chromogens, 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) and free cortisol, and day-night variation of plasma P—S chromogens, were studied in normal and obese women and patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. 2. The mean absolute values of P—S chromogens, 17-OHCS and free cortisol were similar for the normal and obese subjects and elevated in Cushing's syndrome. With the exception of the 17-OHCS there was some overlapping of the individual values within the three groups. All the subjects with Cushing's syndrome and several of the obese subjects had values of 17-OHCS which were outside the normal range. 3. The 24 h urinary 17-OHCS and free cortisol excretion expressed per kg body weight were significantly lower for the obese than for the control subjects and subjects with Cushing's syndrome. The values were significantly higher for the subjects with Cushing's syndrome than for the obese and normal subjects. There was some overlapping of the individual values. 4. Two normal and two obese subjects failed to show significant day-night variation, whereas only four of the patients with Cushing's syndrome had significant day-night variation of plasma P—S chromogens. 5. The urinary 17-OHCS for four of the obese subjects with some symptoms of adrenocortical hyperactivity were suppressed normally on a low dose of dexamethasone whereas those with Cushing's syndrome failed to do so.

scholarly journals Naturally occurring scrapie is associated with a lower CBG binding capacity in ewes

2000 ◽  
Vol 165 (2) ◽  
pp. 527-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Picard-Hagen ◽  
V Gayrard ◽  
M Alvinerie ◽  
V Laroute ◽  
C Touron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Equilibrium Dialysis ◽  
Free Fraction ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Total Plasma ◽  
Neurodegenerative Process ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
And Control

Naturally scrapie-affected ewes present a syndrome of hypercortisolism as evaluated by measuring total plasma cortisol concentrations. The objective of this study was to investigate the plasma protein binding of cortisol and to evaluate the concentration of the biologically active free fraction of cortisol in scrapie-affected ewes. Corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) binding parameters were evaluated by equilibrium dialysis in 13 naturally scrapie-affected ewes and nine healthy ewes, during two periods of the clinical evolution of the disease. The hypercortisolism of the scrapie-affected ewes was confirmed by a significant increase of the plasma 20 beta-dihydrocortisol and cortisone concentrations, while total cortisol concentrations, obtained from an isolated sample, did not differ between scrapie-affected and control ewes. The scrapie diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. The CBG maximal capacity (B(max)) was two times lower in scrapie-affected ewes than in healthy ewes (37+/-32 nM and 73+/-28 nM respectively). The dissociation constant K(d) (8.8+/-3.7 nM and 9.8+/-3.0 nM respectively) and the non-specific constant value of binding to albumin (1.13+/-0.18 and 1.14+/-0.23 respectively) did not differ significantly between diseased and control ewes. The significant increased concentrations of CBG-free cortisol (i.e. both albumin-bound and free cortisol fractions) in scrapie-affected ewes indicates that total plasma cortisol concentration is not an appropriate index of pituitary-adrenocortical hyperactivity. In conclusion, ewes with naturally occurring scrapie display a syndrome of hypercortisolism associated with a lower CBG binding capacity which leads to an overexposure of glucocorticoid-sensitive targets to CBG-free cortisol. The physiopathological consequences of this overexposure on the development of the neurodegenerative process in prion disease are discussed.

scholarly journals The pituitary–adrenal axis in adult thalassaemic patients

2010 ◽  
Vol 162 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Scacchi ◽  
Leila Danesi ◽  
Agnese Cattaneo ◽  
Elena Valassi ◽  
Francesca Pecori Giraldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Adrenocortical Function ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Plasma Acth ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Basal Plasma ◽  
The Mean

ObjectiveWe previously described in young thalassaemic patients an altered cortisol and ACTH responsiveness suggesting an impaired adrenocortical reserve. Owing to iron overload, a worsening of adrenal function should be expected in adult patients.DesignIn 124 adults with β-thalassaemia, urinary free cortisol (UFC) and plasma ACTH levels were determined and compared with those measured in 150 controls. In 45 patients, cortisol was measured in response to: i) tetracosactide 1 μg as an i.v. bolus (low-dose test, LDT) and ii) tetracosactide 250 μg infused i.v. over 8 h (high-dose test, HDT).ResultsUFC and serum cortisol were within the reference range in all patients. Conversely, basal plasma ACTH values were above the upper limit of the normal range in 19 patients. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean values of UFC, basal serum cortisol and plasma ACTH between patients and controls. A subnormal cortisol response to the LDT was registered in 18 out of 56 patients. Three of these patients also displayed a subnormal response to the HDT, together with elevated baseline plasma ACTH levels. In the LDT, a positive correlation was found between basal and peak cortisol values (P<0.0001). The latter were negatively correlated with basal ACTH values in both LDT (P<0.0001) and HDT (P<0.0001).ConclusionsAdult thalassaemic patients often present a subtle impairment of adrenocortical function. This may become clinically relevant in case of major stressful events. Thus, we recommend an assessment of adrenocortical function in all adult thalassaemic patients.

A RAPID TEST OF ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION USING HOMACTID (SYNTHETIC αh1–28 ACTH)

1971 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 470-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. F. Woodings ◽  
P. Young
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Plasma Cortisol Level ◽  
Adrenocortical Function ◽  
Adrenocortical Insufficiency ◽  
Normal Response ◽  
Short Test ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Synthetic Polypeptide ◽  
Single Plasma

ABSTRACT As a short test of adrenocortical function, plasma cortisol values were determined before, and 15 and 30 minutes after, a single intravenous injection of 10 μg of a synthetic polypeptide αh1–28 ACTH (HOMACTID) given between 9 and 10 a. m. Its usefulness in a screening test to exclude primary adrenocortical insufficiency is suggested based on a single plasma corticosteroid concentration obtained 30 minutes after the HOMACTID injection, a normal response being a level of greater than 19 μg/100 ml at this time. In 30 control subjects the mean plasma cortisol level rose by 8.9 (± se 0.8) μg/100 ml at 15 minutes and 12.0 (± se 0.9) μg/100 ml at 30 minutes from a resting value of 15.5 (± se 1.1) μg/100 ml. HOMACTID can thus be used as a quick test of adrenal function in the same way as Synacthen®.

STUDIES ON THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF ALDOSTERONE USING THE SHEEP ADRENAL TRANSPLANT: EFFECT OF SODIUM DEPLETION ON THE CONVERSION OF CORTICOSTERONE TO ALDOSTERONE

1970 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. BLAIR-WEST ◽  
A. BRODIE ◽  
J. P. COGHLAN ◽  
D. A. DENTON ◽  
C. FLOOD ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Specific Activity ◽  
Jugular Vein ◽  
Sodium Depletion ◽  
Aldosterone Secretion ◽  
Derivative Method ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Percentage Conversion ◽  
Double Isotope ◽  
Secretion Rates

SUMMARY The effect of sodium depletion on the conversion of corticosterone to aldosterone has been examined in vivo using the adrenal transplants of two sheep. [3H]Corticosterone was infused continuously directly into the adrenal gland via the carotid artery over a period of 30 min. and the total adrenal effluent was collected via the jugular vein in six consecutive 5-min. samples. The conversion of [3H]corticosterone to [3H]aldosterone and the endogenous output of aldosterone was measured in each sample using a double isotope derivative method and the specific activity of the aldosterone calculated. Radioactive conversion of B → aldosterone reached equilibrium within 10 min. of the start of infusion and remained constant over a period of 10–25 min. Aldosterone secretion was also constant during the first 25 min. of infusion. In the same sheep the mean percentage conversion increased as aldosterone secretion rose over a range of 2–12 μg./hr. With more severe sodium depletion, i.e. with aldosterone secretion rates of 12–16 μg./hr., conversion decreased to that found in the sodium replete state. The specific activity of the aldosterone was constant throughout the mildly deplete range (2–12 μg./hr.) but fell with severe sodium depletion. In the sodium replete range (0–2 μg./hr.) before the introduction of a parotid fistula, the specific activity was the same as in the mildly deplete state. After the introduction of a parotid fistula the specific activity increased as the secretion decreased from 2 to 0 μg. The validity of the approach and interpretation of the results in terms of the biosynthetic pathways involved are discussed.

ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED DOGS WITH PAROTID GLAND TRANSPLANTS IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE BASAL HYPOTHALAMUS

1979 ◽  
Vol 92 (4) ◽  
pp. 710-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramón Alvarez-Buylla ◽  
Víctor Tsutsumi
Keyword(s):  
Parotid Gland ◽  
Third Ventricle ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Adrenocortical Function ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Proliferating Cells ◽  
Adrenocortical Activity ◽  
Competitive Protein Binding ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Normal Light

ABSTRACT Adrenocortical activity was studied in three groups of dogs: control-normal, hypophysectomized (hypox), and dogs with a piece of parotid gland grafted into the sella turcica immediately after removal of the whole hypophysis (hypox + graft). Cortisol plasma level (Fk) was estimated by the competitive protein binding method. The mean base-line Fk for 21 normal dogs was 0.8 ± 0.1 μg/dl; for 12 hypox dogs 0.03 ± 0.01 μg/dl, and for hypox + graft dogs 0.5 ± 0.2 μg/dl. After mild or severe stresses the normal and hypox + graft dogs showed an increment in Fk; hypox dogs showed no change. Adrenal glands of hypox dogs revealed striking diminution in fasciculata and reticularis layers, whereas hypox + graft dogs approached normal. Light microscopy studies of the parotid gland graft showed signs of cellular differentiation. Groups of proliferating cells forming follicular structures were present mainly in the part of the parotid tissue closely associated to third ventricle presenting different staining affinities.

ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION IN RATS SUBJECTED TO NUTRITIONAL DEPRIVATION IN EARLY LIFE

1972 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. P. F. ADLARD ◽  
J. L. SMART
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Adrenocortical Function ◽  
Nutritional Deprivation ◽  
Basal Plasma ◽  
Stressful Stimulation ◽  
Response To Stress ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control ◽  
Unrestricted Diet

SUMMARY Rats were undernourished during the foetal and suckling periods by limiting maternal food intake. Animals were weaned to an unrestricted diet at 25 days of age. Before weaning, the mean plasma corticosteroid concentration in undernourished animals was 39 μg/100 ml compared with 21 μg/100 ml in well-fed controls. At 15–17 weeks of age previously undernourished and control animals did not differ in basal plasma corticosteroid concentration. After stressful stimulation, however, levels were lower in animals subjected to early undernutrition than in controls. It is suggested that nutritional deprivation in infancy resulting in increased plasma corticosteroid levels at that time, permanently modifies the adrenocortical response to stress.

ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION IN THE HORSE

1970 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 319-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. H. T. JAMES ◽  
MARIAN W. HORNER ◽  
M. S. MOSS ◽  
A. E. RIPPON
Keyword(s):  
Diurnal Rhythm ◽  
Eosinophil Count ◽  
Small Amplitude ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Significant Alteration ◽  
Adrenocortical Function ◽  
Equine Plasma ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Cortisol Levels

SUMMARY Evidence for the presence of cortisol and corticosterone in equine plasma and cortisol in equine urine is presented. The mean morning concentration of plasma cortisol was 7 μg/100 ml, and that of corticosterone 0·5 μg/100 ml. A diurnal rhythm of small amplitude was found. Administration of corticotrophin, induction of hypoglycaemia and surgery produced marked increases in plasma cortisol levels, but only small increases were seen after normal exercise. The changes in plasma cortisol were not invariably accompanied by significant alteration of the eosinophil count. It is concluded that the mechanisms of control of adrenocortical function in the horse are not dissimilar to those described for other mammalian species.

Prothrombin Time Standardization: Report of the Expert Panel on Oral Anticoagulant Control

1979 ◽  
Vol 42 (04) ◽  
pp. 1073-1114 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
Expert Panel ◽  
The Other ◽  
Rabbit Brain ◽  
Calibration Constant ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Point Of Intersection ◽  
And Control ◽  
Standardization Report

SummaryIn collaborative experiments in 199 laboratories, nine commercial thromboplastins, four thromboplastins held by the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBS & C), London and the British Comparative Thromboplastin were tested on fresh normal and coumarin plasmas, and on three series of freeze-dried plasmas. One of these was made from coumarin plasmas and the other two were prepared from normal plasmas; in each series, one plasma was normal and the other two represented different degrees of coumarin defect.Each thromboplastin was calibrated against NIBS&C rabbit brain 70/178, from the slope of the line joining the origin to the point of intersection of the mean ratios of coumarin/normal prothrombin times when the ratios obtained with the two thromboplastins on the same fresh plasmas were plotted against each other. From previous evidence, the slopes were calculated which would have been obtained against the NIBS&C “research standard” thromboplastin 67/40, and termed the “calibration constant” of each thromboplastin. Values obtained from the freeze-dried coumarin plasmas gave generally similar results to those from fresh plasmas for all thromboplastins, whereas values from the artificial plasmas agreed with those from fresh plasmas only when similar thromboplastins were being compared.Taking into account the slopes of the calibration lines and the variation between laboratories, precision in obtaining a patient’s prothrombin time was similar for all thromboplastins.

A COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS FOR MEASUREMENT OF ALDOSTERONE SECRETION RATE IN MAN

1966 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Lund-Johansen ◽  
T. Thorsen ◽  
K. F. Støa
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Excretion ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Secretion Rate ◽  
Aldosterone Secretion ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Derivative Method ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT A comparison has been made between (A), a relatively simple method for the measurement of aldosterone secretion rate, based on paper chromatography and direct densitometry of the aldosterone spot and (B) a more elaborate isotope derivative method. The mean secretion rate in 9 normal subjects was 112 ± 26 μg per 24 hours (method A) and 135 ± 35 μg per 24 hours (method B). The »secretion rate« in one adrenalectomized subject after the intravenous injection of 250 μg of aldosterone was 230 μg per 24 hours (method A) and 294 μg per 24 hours (method B). There was no significant difference in the mean values, and correlation between the two methods was good (r = 0.80). It is concluded that the densitometric method is suitable for clinical purposes as well as research, being more rapid and less expensive than the isotope derivative method. Method A also measures the urinary excretion of the aldosterone 3-oxo-conjugate, which is of interest in many pathological conditions. The densitometric method is obviously the less sensitive and a prerequisite for its use is an aldosterone secretion of 20—30 μg per 24 hours. Lower values are, however, rare in adults.

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