Pharmacologic Aspects of Adrenocortical Steroids and ACTH in Man

Abstract

Effects of cortisone on endocrine system. Anterior pituitary body and adrenal glands: It is well known that the administration of cortisone to animals and man leads to a suppression of endogenous adrenocortical secretion. Several lines of evidence may be cited. Patients, both male and female, with an intact pituitary-adrenal system may show a decreased urinary 17-ketosteroid output during cortisone therapy (50 to 75 mg. a day). After cortisone administration ACTH may elicit a poor adrenal response as measured by eosinophil fall, and 17-ketosteroid and formaldehydogenic steroid rise in the urine. When cortisone therapy is suddenly withdrawn clinical evidences of adrenal . . .