[Mineralocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex and the renin--angiotensin system in Itsenko-Cushing's disease]

Mineralocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex and the activity of the renin-angiotensin system were studied in patients with Itsenko-Cushing's disease before (36 cases) and after (27 cases) the treatment with chloditan--an adrenocortical inhibitor. Minertalocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex was assessed by the blood immunoreactive aldosterone content, urinary 18-aldosterone-glucuronide excretion, and the rate of aldosterone secretion. Condition of the renin-angiotensin system was assesed by the blood renin activity. Aldosterone and renin concentration was studied by the radioimmunological method. There proved to be a reverse relationship between the blood aldosterone concentraiton and the severity of Itsenko-Cushing's disease. Elevation of the mineralocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex in Itsenko-Cushing's disease was due to activation of the renin angiotensin system. During clinical remission of the disease following a course of chloditan treatment the patient displayed an increased blood aldosterone level and a rise of its secretion. The minralocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex was intensified at the state of clinical remission because of an increased blood corticotropin concentration.