Adrenocortical function after stimulation with synthetic ACTH

In order to assess the effect of ACTH on the adrenal cortex when used as a therapeutic or diagnostic agent, adrenocortical function was tested before and 2 hours after 0.5 mg tetracosactrin given intramuscularly in 31 healthy children, divided into 4 groups according to age and sex. Mean plasma cortisol levels were shown to be 184% higher than baseline values after administration of the drug, and there were no significant differences related to age or sex. It is suggested that this simple test can be of practical value in the diagnosis of adrenocortical function in young people.