Secretory function of adrenal cortex in chronic alcoholis

Three groups of male subjects (healthy subjects, chronic alcoholics with liver cirrhosis and patients with acute viral hepatitis) were included in a 24 hour pattern of excretion of the total and some fractions of 17-ketosteroids (KS), basal concentration of 11-hydroxycorticosteroids (11-OHCS) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in plasma, as well as changes of concentration of the same steroids in plasma 15, 30 and 60 minutes after a single i.m. injection of insulin. In regard to healthy subjects and patients with acute viral hepatitis, chronic alcoholics with liver cirrhosis excrete decreased quantities of total and some fractions of 17-KS. In regard to healthy subjects, decreased excretion of the sum androsterone and etiocholanole was established as well as increased DHEA secretion in patients with acute viral hepatitis. In chronic alcoholics with liver cirrhosis basal concentrations of 11-OHCS in plasma and their increase after insulin administration are the same as in healthy subjects, but values of DHEA concentrations in plasma are decreased. It has been pointed to the possibility of damages of the secretory function of adrenal cortex in chronic alcoholics with liver cirrhosis. On the basis of above mentioned results, there is an assumption that adrenal gland primarily provides normal secretion of C21 steroid and thus, satisfying needs for these steroids, increases secretion of DHEA. Follow up of DHEA urinary secretion may provide insight into basal activity of adrenal cortex, whereas the functional state of the liver must be taken into account when interpreting the results.