The effect of cortisol or ACTH on plasma concentrations of free fatty acids.
The effect of infusion of cortisol (14 mumol) or ACTH (Synacthen, 250 micrograms) injection on plasma levels of free fatty acids has been examined in normal men. The increment in plasma cortisol levels after infusion of cortisol (+182%) was much less than after ACTH injection (up to 262%). Mean plasma levels of free fatty acids were only significantly increased after ACTH injection. However, some inter-subject variation occurred and a small but significant increment in plasma levels of free fatty acids was seen for one control subject and for a subject who received an infusion of cortisol. It is possible that the reported diurnal variations in plasma levels of free fatty acids may be related to changes in plasma levels of ACTH or cortisol throughout a 24h period.
Reed
M J
MJ
Department of Chemical Pathology, St. Mary's Hospital, Medical School, London, U.K.
Beranek
P A
PA
Cheng
R W
RW
Few
J D
JD
James
V H
VH
D000328:Adult; D003366:Cosyntropin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values
D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; D003366:Cosyntropin; D006854:Hydrocortisone