The effect of 2, 2-Bis (2-chlorophenyl-4-chlorophenyl)-1, 1-dighloroethane (o, p'-DDD) on the metabolism of infused cortisol-7-3H

Abstract o, p'-DDD was administered to a subject with Cushing' s syndrome and to an adrenalectomized castrated subject maintained on a constant cortisol intake. Measurements of the secretion, metabolism and metabolic clearance rate of cortisol were made before and during the administration of the drug. In the adrenalectomized subject the “cortisol secretion rate” was an estimate of the administered cortisol. The results of this study indicated that o, p'-DDD affected both the adrenal secretion and the extraadrenal metabolism of cortisol. During the early phase of drug administration however, the extra-adrenal effect predominated. In addition, it was shown than an increased circulating level of cortisol, whether due to exogenous administration or Cushing's syndrome, was associated with an increased plasma clearance of the steroid.