title: Adrenocortical function after acute carbon monoxide exposure in humans.
abstract: The effect of acute carbon monoxide (CO) exposure on plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), renin activity (PRA), aldosterone, and cortisol levels was studied in patients approximately 80-90 min after removal from the scene of exposure. Nine patients had carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels below 15%. Seven patients had COHb levels that exceeded 15% (Group II). Plasma ACTH, cortisol, and aldosterone levels were significantly higher in Group II (elevated COHb). Plasma cortisol and aldosterone levels were appropriate for the levels of ACTH and PRA achieved. We concluded that (a) acute carbon monoxide poisoning leads to elevated plasma corticosteroid levels, and (b) the adrenal gland appears to function normally acutely after exposure to carbon monoxide.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Raff
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Goldmann
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Kindwall
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000450:Aldosterone / Q000097:blood; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012083:Renin / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D000450:Aldosterone; D002248:Carbon Monoxide; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin; D012083:Renin; D006854:Hydrocortisone