In order to clarify some conflicting data existing on pituitary-adrenal axis function in Cooley's anaemia, plasma ACTH and control levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in 10 thalassemic patients at 9 AM and after insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Basal plasma cortisol concentration was significantly lower in thalassemics than in the controls (87 ± 8 versus 142 11 mg/ml; mean ± S.E.M., p<0.01) and its increase during the insulin-induced hypoglycemia was also subnormal too (max peak 147 ± 17 versus 255 ± 14 mg/ml; p<0.01). On the contrary, basal plasma ACTH levels (95 ± 13 versus 52 ± 11; p<0.05) and the ACTH hypoglycemic peaks (209 ± 22 versus 117 ± 12 pg/ml; p<0.01) were considerably higher in thalassemics. These data suggest a primarily reduced adrenal function in Cooley's anaemia in spite of the increased pituitary stimulation. The ACTH hypersecretion may be responsible for the skin pigmentation of the thalassemic patients.
Pituitary adrenal axis in Cooley's anaemia[STUDIO FUNZIONALE DELL'ASSE IPOFISI-SURRENE NEL MORBO DI COOLEY]
DE LUCA, Filippo;
1981-01-01
Abstract
In order to clarify some conflicting data existing on pituitary-adrenal axis function in Cooley's anaemia, plasma ACTH and control levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in 10 thalassemic patients at 9 AM and after insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Basal plasma cortisol concentration was significantly lower in thalassemics than in the controls (87 ± 8 versus 142 11 mg/ml; mean ± S.E.M., p<0.01) and its increase during the insulin-induced hypoglycemia was also subnormal too (max peak 147 ± 17 versus 255 ± 14 mg/ml; p<0.01). On the contrary, basal plasma ACTH levels (95 ± 13 versus 52 ± 11; p<0.05) and the ACTH hypoglycemic peaks (209 ± 22 versus 117 ± 12 pg/ml; p<0.01) were considerably higher in thalassemics. These data suggest a primarily reduced adrenal function in Cooley's anaemia in spite of the increased pituitary stimulation. The ACTH hypersecretion may be responsible for the skin pigmentation of the thalassemic patients.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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