Positive Rate-Sensitive Corticosteroid Feedback Mechanism of ACTH Secretion in Cushing's Disease

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Abstract

To define the nature of the disturbance of the corticosteroid feedback mechanism in Cushing's disease, the dynamic aspects of the ACTH response to corticosteroid administration have been studied in patients with Cushing's disease after total adrenalectomy (C.d. post adx.). The results were compared with those obtained in patients with Addison's disease (control group). Different experimental designs for administration of cortisol were chosen to provide extreme variations in the input signal. The response of the system was evaluated by measuring plasma ACTH concentrations (radioimmunoassay) at short time intervals.

Authors

H. L. Fehm, K. H. Voigt, G. Kummer, E. F. Pfeiffer