Reproducibility of the cortisol response to stimulation with a low dose of ACTH(1–24): the effect of basal cortisol levels and comparison of low-dose with high-dose secretory dynamics

• DOI: 10.1677/joe.0.1360167
• Publication Date: 2008-12-11T23:11:46Z
• Authors: S. Crowley; P. C. Hindmarsh; J. W. Honour; C. G. D. Brook
• Keywords: Basal (medicine); Repeatability; ACTH stimulation test

ABSTRACT We compared the reproducibility and repeatability of acute adrenal response to low doses (90 500 ng/1·73 m 2 ) Synacthen (ACTH(1–24)) with that standard dose (250 μg/1·73 ). also examined effect basal cortisol levels on peak values achieved after stimulation a dose. ACTH(1–24) was given six male volunteers: 90 twice at 90-min intervals day 1, once 250 3. The rise in serum concentration repeated ACTH not attenuated (161 ± 49 ( s.d. nmol/l initial vs 150 41 repeat stimulation; P = 0·5) this reproducible 1 148 15 2; 0·6). A ng ACTH(1–24)/1·73 produced maximal 20 min identical same time by . There strong positive correlation between level low-dose r 0·93, < 0·001) but incremental −0·1, 0·69). These results suggest is intervals. appears constant these situations influenced level. When there concern may be excessive mask subtle important changes function, (500 ng) should used. Journal Endocrinology (1993) 136, 167–172