[Adrenal cortical function in chronic diseases].

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Comparative Physiology

Background:

• Adrenocortical function is crucial for stress response.
• Hormonal imbalances can occur in various diseases and under stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate adrenocortical function in patients with diseases and in monkeys with hemoblastosis.
• To analyze steroid hormone precursor levels in relation to cortisol.

Main Methods:

• Studied 40 patients with tumorous/nontumorous diseases and 22 monkeys (P. hamadryas) with hemoblastosis.
• Measured levels of cortisol and key steroid hormone precursors.

Main Results:

• Observed decreased levels of pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone.
• Noted a significant decrease in dehydroepiandrosterone alongside high cortisol.
• Identified similarities to hormonal changes seen in primates under chronic stress.

Conclusions:

• Changes suggest precursor utilization for cortisol biosynthesis and reduced dehydroepiandrosterone synthesis.
• These hormonal shifts are likely nonspecific and adaptive, maintaining cortisol during stress.
• High cortisol levels play a role in integrating the body's adaptive processes.