Effect of Administration of ACTH and Cortisone upon Blood Glutathione Levels

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Abstract
Blood glutathione (GSH) and total glutathione (GSH plus GSSG) were detd. in 11 patients during ACTH therapy and in 11 patients during the admn. of cortisone. GSH values were significantly decreased from a pretreatment avg. of 36.6 mg./100 cc. to 26.9 mg. by ACTH, while cortisone produced a decrease from an avg. pretreatment value of 35 mg.-29.1 mg. The latter decrease, statistically, is of a low order of significance. The total glutathione values showed no changes following the admn. of either ACTH or cortisone. During treatment with ACTH the greatest decrease in blood GSH occurred in the patients showing the greatest increase in blood sugar. There is suggestive evidence that although patients with normal glucose tolerance may show diabetic patterns during treatment, those who demonstrate mildly diabetic patterns prior to therapy show no further decrease in glucose tolerance and minimal reduction in GSH values after ACTH or cortisone therapy.