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Effect of theophylline on cortisol secretion
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Theophylline may temporarily increase cortisol secretion and clearance in both normal and asthmatic individuals. This effect, linked to increased urine output, appears transient and similar across subject groups.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Theophylline is a bronchodilator used for asthma, hypothesized to work by increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine 3'-5'-monophosphate (cAMP).
- Elevated cAMP in animal adrenal cortex models stimulates cortisol secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if therapeutic doses of theophylline increase cortisol secretion in humans.
- To compare the effects of theophylline on adrenal function in normal versus asthmatic volunteers.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind, 6-day protocol involving intravenous and oral theophylline administration.
- Monitoring of serum cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), urinary-free cortisol (UFF), 17-hydroxysteroids (17-OH), 17-ketosteroids (17-KS), and cortisol secretory rates (FSR).
- Measurement of serum theophylline concentrations and alternate-day FSR via isotope dilution.
Main Results:
- Theophylline administration resulted in a significant, transient increase in UFF and 17-OH excretion, potentially due to increased urine volume.
- Cortisol secretory rates (FSR) showed a significant increase within 24 hours but returned to baseline by day 3.
- No significant changes were observed in serum cortisol, ACTH, or urinary 17-KS levels.
Conclusions:
- Theophylline induces a modest, temporary increase in cortisol secretion and clearance.
- This effect is comparable in both healthy individuals and those with asthma.
- The lack of change in serum cortisol and ACTH may be due to a balance between increased secretion and clearance.
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