[Glucocorticoid receptors of the blood lymphocytes in Itsenko-Cushing disease]

45 patients with Itsenko-Cushing disease received combined therapy (unilateral adrenalectomy with subsequent therapy with mitotane, bromocriptine or their combination). The level of cortisol, the amount of blood lymphocytes and glucocorticoid receptors (GR) were determined over time, before adrenalectomy and on the 7th-10th day after it. Ten healthy donors were entered into the control group. A sharp decrease in the GR amount in blood lymphocytes was detected at the active stage of Itsenko-Cushing disease. After unilateral adrenalectomy the amount rose, in recurrence decreased. A significant increase in the GR amount was noted in remission. Therapeutic results were better in the patients with an increase in the GR amount in blood lymphocytes in the early postoperative period. The determination of GR in blood lymphocytes permits more objective assessment of therapeutic results and prognosis of a course of disease.