title: Pharmacodynamic interpretation of adrenocorticotropin stimulation tests.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report a pharmacodynamic model that describes increases in cortisol concentrations during administration of an adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) infusion, taking into account both steroid secretion and elimination.
  
  
  METHODS
  Previously published data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using a population estimate of the elimination rate constant for cortisol and equations describing changes in cortisol concentration versus time, a value for the rate of cortisol secretion (Rcort) was derived. The Rcort value more directly represents the capacity for adrenal secretion of cortisol.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pharmacodynamic modeling techniques were used to successfully describe the rate of cortisol secretion during an ACTH infusion. This model can be applied to assess the extent of adrenal suppression after long-term corticosteroid therapy or in the presence of disease states.
authors.affiliation: State University of New York at Buffalo 14260.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Milad
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Jusko
mesh_terms: D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone