Adrenal-Pituitary Function in Bronchial Asthma

Abstract
THE POSSIBILITY that the adrenal and pituitary glands play an important role in bronchial asthma has been suggested by many investigators. Rackemann in 1945 reported low levels of urinary 17-ketosteroids in patients with bronchial asthma.1 Since then many investigators have noted similar findings.2-5 Rose et al, in a study of 58 asthmatic patients, showed that there was a diminished urinary glucocorticoid excretion which persisted as long as the asthmatic attack.6 Spaner and associates7 concluded that urinary 11-hydroxysteroids are reduced during an asthmatic attack. Low levels of 17-ketosteroids and normal levels of plasma 11-oxysteroids have been reported by Lemon et al in their study of patients with asthma.8 Recently Vaccarezza has reported low 17-ketosteroids and normal 17-hydroxysteroids in asthmatic patients.9 Normal urinary 17-hydroxysteroids and 17-ketosteroids in patients with asthma have been reported by others.10,11 Siegel et al12 and Vaccarezza 9 found normal plasma Cortisol levels in asthmatic patients. Evaluation of

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