STUDIES ON EXCRETION OF TOTAL NEUTRAL 17-KETOSTEROIDS IN SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS

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Abstract
ALTHOUGH previous studies on the levels of serum sodium and serum potassium in schizophrenic patients yielded no abnormal results,1 it was suspected that some defect might exist in the function of the pituitary-adrenal cortex complex which would be reflected in an altered excretion of the total neutral 17-ketosteroids. Differences of opinion exist among investigators as to this possibility. Parsons and associates2 claimed that there is no disorder of pituitary-adrenocortical function in psychotic patients, as evidenced by the lymphocytopenia resulting from electric shock, insulin shock, and epinephrine. However, they did claim that psychological stresses revealed a disorder in the endocrine function, as indicated by the absence of lymphocytopenia. Hoagland and associates3 also failed to produce lymphocytopenia in schizophrenic patients after exposure to stressful situations, such as cold and pursuit-meter operations. Hemphill and associates4 observed that electric shock therapy and metrazol® (pentylenetetrazole) therapy caused an increase in