[Several indices of the functional state of the pituitary--adrenal cortex system in chronic alcoholism]

The adrenal cortex functional activity in males with alcoholsim of the 2nd stage (128 cases) in respect to the production of glucocorticoids and mineral-corticoids is decreased. The biosynthesis of androgens, as can be seen by the 17-KS urine excretion, is increased. Abstinence from alcohol during treatment with teturam in combination with neuroleptical drugs was accompanied by an increased elimination of glucocorticoids and a normalization of the metabolic indices of the main electrolytes. In all the examined cases of alcoholism with the 2nd stage irrespective of the duration of the disease there was an increased amount of androgens, possibly as a compensatory reaction to metabolic disturbances, due to chronic alcoholic intoxication.