The Role of the Liver and the Adrenal in Producing Elevated Plasma 17-Hydroxycorticosteroid Levels in Surgery1

Abstract

In another paper of this series (1) it was dem- onstrated that most patients undergoing surgery developed increased plasma levels of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids. Evidence was presented that these rises are mediated in part by extra-adrenal factors. The concept that extra-adrenal factors may affect adrenal steroid levels is not a new one but little evidence to support such a concept has been presented.