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CIRCADIAN RHYTHM OF PLASMA CORTICOSTEROIDS IN CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA
Author(s) -
RESCHINI E.,
GLUSTINA G.,
D'ALBERTON A.,
CROSIGNANI P. G.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
clinical endocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1365-2265
pISSN - 0300-0664
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2265.1974.tb01797.x
Subject(s) - circadian rhythm , endocrinology , medicine , dexamethasone , morning , basal (medicine) , congenital adrenal hyperplasia , corticosteroid , endogeny , biology , insulin
SUMMARY Circadian rhythm and dexamethasone suppression of plasma fluorogenic corticosteroids and plasma progesterone were studied in six patients with the simple virilizing form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Basal levels of plasma fluorogenic steroids were normal or high in the untreated patients. A definite circadian variation was demonstrated, suggesting a similar variation in ACTH secretion. Dexamethasone administration in the form of the overnight suppression test was followed by a virtually complete disappearance of plasma fluorescence. Plasma progesterone levels were high in the morning hours and showed a circadian variation and dexamethasone suppression similar to those of fluorogenic steroids. The diagnostic and therapeutic importance of these findings is discussed.