[The hormonal profile of patients with pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid]

Radioimmunoassays of some hypophyseal, adrenal, thyroid, pancreatic, and sexual gland hormones, carried out in patients with pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid, have revealed increased levels of ACTH and hydrocortisone in their blood sera, vs. the reference values. Glucocorticoid therapy has normalized the ACTH level, and hydrocortisone content has proved to be below the norm. The blood plasma triiodothyronine level has been elevated, whereas insulin and glucagon lowered in the patients with pemphigus vs. those with bullous pemphigoid. In females of a menopausal age, suffering from pemphigus, increased levels of estradiol and reduced ones of testosterone have been detected, as compared to those suffering from bullous pemphigoid. These data evidence a varying functional activity of the endocrine glands in these dermatitides.