PAROTID FLUID STEROID RESPONSES TO GRADED DOSES OF CORTICOTROPIN

Abstract : Paroitid fluid and urine 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) measurements were carried out in 90 systemically healthy young adult males who received graded intramuscular doses of ACTH. The administration of 20, 30, and 40 units of ACTH produced significant increases in parotid fluid free 17-OHCS levels 2 hours after dosage. The 17-OHDS levels in parotid fluid following 5 and 10 units of ACTH did not differ significantly from those for the control group. The total 17-OHCS excretion rates in urine over the 6-hour experimental period showed a steady increase with the increase in dose levels. These findings strengthen the premise that parotid fluid steroid measurements may be employed in evaluating human adrenocortical status. (Author)