AbstractsMedical & Health Science

Disturbances in the function of the adrenal cortex in man are associated with several clinical syndromes. In some patients, however, the classical features known to be associated with abnormalities in adrenal function may not be apparent, in spite of the fact that such disturbances are present. In these cases, various methods of evaluation of adrenal cortical function must be used in order to demonstrate the abnormality. One of these methods is to estimate the quantity of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex by measuring the level of these hormones, or their metabolites, in the urine. This has been done by means of biological and chemical assays, and has yielded considerable knowledge regarding the nature of the disturbances present, as well as their degree. It has repeatedly been demonstrated that enhanced adrenal cortical activity is an important feature in the resistance of the organism to varied types of stress. [...] The chemical and biological assays mentioned above give an indication of the level of activity of the adrenal cortex, but do not give any information about the ability of the gland to respond to stressful situations. It seemed important, then, that an investigation into adrenal cortical function and reserve in health and disease be undertaken, and that the response to stimulation by ACTH, as measured by urinary hormone studies, be used as an indication of adrenal cortical reserve.Disturbances in the function of the adrenal cortex in man are associated with several clinical syndromes. In some patients, however, the classical features known to be associated with abnormalities in adrenal function may not be apparent, in spite of the fact that such disturbances are present. In these cases, various methods of evaluation of adrenal cortical function must be used in order to demonstrate the abnormality. One of these methods is to estimate the quantity of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex by measuring the level of these hormones, or their metabolites, in the urine. This has been done by means of biological and chemical assays, and has yielded considerable knowledge regarding the nature of the disturbances present, as well as their degree. It has repeatedly been demonstrated that enhanced adrenal cortical activity is an important feature in the resistance of the organism to varied types of stress. [...] The chemical and biological assays mentioned above give an indication of the level of activity of the adrenal cortex, but do not give any information about the ability of the gland to respond to stressful situations. It seemed important, then, that an investigation into adrenal cortical function and reserve in health and disease be undertaken, and that the response to stimulation by ACTH, as measured by urinary hormone studies, be used as an indication of adrenal cortical reserve.