title: Differences in cortisol, aldosterone and testosterone responses to ACTH 1-17 administered at two different times of day.
abstract: The effects of 100 micrograms, i.m. of the analog ACTH 1-17 administered at 0800 and 1800 on the secretion of cortisol, aldosterone and testosterone have been studied in normal subjects: 8 male and 8 female. The group as a whole and the males had significantly greater absolute and percent increments in plasma cortisol after administration at 1800. In the females, there was only a greater percent increment in cortisol after the evening administration. The heptadecapeptide always significantly stimulated serum aldosterone, with no difference between the two times of administration. In the females, ACTH 1-17 significantly stimulated testosterone, with a more protracted secretion after the evening administration. In the males, there was always a significant testosterone decrease after the administration of the drug, with no difference between morning and evening. In conclusion, 100 micrograms i.m. of the analog ACTH 1-17 stimulates cortisol secretion more when given during the circadian nadir of plasma cortisol, but only in men. ACTH 1-17 increases testosterone in women and decreases it in men, whereas it seems to increase aldosterone secretion in both sexes.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000328:Adult; D000450:Aldosterone / Q000097:blood*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D010446:Peptide Fragments; D013739:Testosterone; D000450:Aldosterone; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; C028238:ACTH (1-17); D006854:Hydrocortisone