EFFECT OF CALCIUM ON ADRENOCORTICAL SECRETION

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 77  (1) , 65-69
Abstract
The effect of Ca on basal cortisol secretion and on the adrenocortical secretory reserve, the indicator of which is the so-called ACTH stimulation test, was studied in humans. During acute hypercalcemia there is a significant increase of basal cortisol secretion. The adrenocortical secretory reserve is significantly reduced during hypercalcemia, this beig manifested by a smaller rise of cortisolemia after ACTH. The Synacthen test repeated after a 48-h interval is fully reproducible under normocalcemia. The basal values and the response to Synacthen do not differ from the control examination. The stimulatory action of Ca can be explained indirectly via other humoral factors, the production of which is enhanced by Ca but also the function of Ca which acts as the so-called second messenger in steroidogenesis. Calcium may also have a direct corticotropic effect, resembling that of ACTH.