plasma acth
Recently Published Documents


TOTAL DOCUMENTS

530
(FIVE YEARS 22)

H-INDEX

50
(FIVE YEARS 2)

Endocrinology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arno Téblick ◽  
Lauren De Bruyn ◽  
Tim Van Oudenhove ◽  
Sarah Vander Perre ◽  
Lies Pauwels ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Sepsis is hallmarked by high plasma cortisol/corticosterone (CORT), low adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and high pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). While corticotropin-releasing hormone-(CRH) and arginine-vasopressin-(AVP) driven pituitary POMC expression remains active, POMC processing into ACTH becomes impaired. Low ACTH is accompanied by loss of adrenocortical structure, although steroidogenic enzymes remain expressed. We hypothesized that treatment of sepsis with hydrocortisone (HC) aggravates this phenotype whereas CRH infusion safeguards ACTH-driven adrenocortical structure. Methods In a fluid-resuscitated, antibiotics-treated mouse model of prolonged sepsis, we compared the effects of HC and CRH infusion with placebo, on plasma ACTH, POMC and CORT and on markers of hypothalamic CRH and AVP signaling and pituitary POMC processing, and on the adrenocortical structure and markers of steroidogenesis. In adrenal explants, we studied the steroidogenic capacity of POMC. Results During sepsis, HC further suppressed plasma ACTH, but not POMC, predominantly by suppressing sepsis-activated CRH/AVP-signaling pathways. In contrast, in CRH-treated sepsis, plasma ACTH was normalized following restoration of pituitary POMC processing. The sepsis-induced rise in markers of adrenocortical steroidogenesis was unaltered by CRH and suppressed partially by HC which also increased adrenal markers of inflammation. Ex vivo stimulation of adrenal explants with POMC increased CORT as effectively as an equimolar dose of ACTH. Conclusions Treatment of sepsis with HC impaired integrity and function of the HPA axis at the level of the pituitary and the adrenal cortex while CRH restored pituitary POMC processing without affecting the adrenal cortex. Sepsis-induced high circulating POMC may be responsible for ongoing adrenocortical steroidogenesis despite low ACTH.


Author(s):  
Ashwini Maudhoo ◽  
Avinaash Maharaj ◽  
Federica Buonocore ◽  
Gabriel Angel Martos-Moreno ◽  
Jesús Argente ◽  
...  

Summary Congenital isolated ACTH deficiency (IAD) is a rare condition characterised by low plasma ACTH and serum cortisol with normal production of other pituitary hormones. TBX19 (also known as TPIT) is a T-box pituitary restricted transcription factor important for POMC gene transcription and terminal differentiation of POMC-expressing cells. TBX19 gene mutations have been shown to cause neonatal-onset congenital IAD. We report a neonate of Romanian origin, who presented at 15 h of life with respiratory arrest and hypoglycaemia which recurred over the following 2 weeks. Biochemical investigations revealed IAD, with undetectable serum cortisol (cortisol < 1 μg/dL; normal range (NR): 7.8–26.2) and plasma ACTH levels within the normal range (22.1 pg/mL; NR: 4.7–48.8). He responded to hydrocortisone treatment. Patient DNA was analysed by a HaloPlex next-generation sequencing array targeting genes for adrenal insufficiency. A novel homozygous synonymous mutation p.Thr96= (Chr1:168260482; c.288G>A; rs376493164; allele frequency 1 × 10−5, no homozygous) was found in exon 2 of the TBX19 gene. The effect of this was assessed by an in vitro splicing assay, which revealed aberrant splicing of exon 2 giving rise to a mutant mRNA transcript whereas the WT vector spliced exon 2 normally. This was identified as the likely cause of IAD in the patient. The predicted protein product would be non-functional in keeping with the complete loss of cortisol production and early presentation in the patient. Learning points Synonymous variants (a nucleotide change that does not alter protein sequence) usually thought to be benign may still have detrimental effects on RNA and protein function causing disease. Hence, they should not be ignored, especially if very rare in public databases. In vitro splicing assays can be employed to characterise the consequence of intronic and exonic nucleotide gene changes that may alter splicing. Establishing a diagnosis due to a TBX19 mutation is important as it defines a condition of isolated ACTH deficiency not associated with additional pituitary deficiencies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A108-A108
Author(s):  
Minh Nguyen ◽  
Nicholas George ◽  
Joseph Fakhoury ◽  
Berrin Ergun-Longmire

Abstract Introduction: Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI), also known as Addison’s disease, is a disorder of the adrenal glands characterized by decreased levels of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. It is a rare condition with a prevalence of 120 cases per million and is less frequently seen in the pediatric population. Here, we report a previously healthy 15-year-old patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) and PAI. Case Presentation: The patient was admitted to the hospital after findings of abnormal laboratory studies, which included an elevated BUN (53 mg/dL), creatinine (1.39 mg/dL), calcium (11.3 mg/dL), potassium (5.6 mmol/L), and hyponatremia (126 mmol/L). These were performed at an outpatient visit due to three-week history of back pain, fatigue and emesis. On admission, he had stable vital signs. Physical examination revealed generalized darkening of skin, more noticeable on the knuckles and palmar creases, with hyperpigmented patches in oral mucosa and both upper extremities. Although his renal function, serum potassium and calcium levels normalized after intravenous hydration with normal saline, hyponatremia (128 mmol/L) continued. His urine analysis and renal ultrasound were normal. Due to his hyperpigmentation and persistent hyponatremia, PAI was suspected. An ACTH stimulation test revealed that basal and stimulated serum cortisol levels were low, 2.6 mcg/dL and 2.9 mcg/dL, respectively. His plasma ACTH level was elevated at 1,625 pg/mL and serum aldosterone level was low at &lt;4.0 ng/dL. These results were consistent with PAI. The patient’s hyponatremia resolved after receiving stress dose hydrocortisone. He was discharged home on hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone with endocrinology follow up. Discussion: PAI is well described in the literature, though reports in pediatrics vary. Patients may present with nonspecific symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, diffuse abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and muscular weakness. These symptoms may be of insidious onset, which often leads to delayed diagnosis. Physical signs include hypotension and hyperpigmentation. Characteristic biochemical findings are hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and hypoglycemia. Despite the electrolyte derangements, AKI is not a common presentation of PAI. There are only a few case reports associating these two diseases. In this case, his symptoms and abnormal electrolytes were initially considered to be the result of AKI of unknown origin. PAI only became a suspicion after a careful physical exam and persistent hyponatremia despite improvement of his AKI with fluid resuscitation. His low serum cortisol and aldosterone levels with elevated plasma ACTH confirmed the diagnosis of PAI. Conclusion: This case highlights a unique presentation of PAI in an adolescent. A timely diagnosis reduces the risk of unwanted and potentially life-threatening complications such as an Addisonian crisis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasunori Fujita ◽  
Hironori Bando ◽  
Genzo Iguchi ◽  
Keiji Iida ◽  
Hitoshi Nishizawa ◽  
...  

ObjectiveHeterogeneous clinical characteristics are observed in acquired isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency (IAD); however, its classification remains to be established because of its largely unknown pathophysiology. In IAD, anti-pituitary antibodies have been detected in some patients, although their significance remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to classify patients with IAD and to clarify the significance of anti-pituitary antibodies.Design and MethodsWe analyzed 46 consecutive patients with IAD. Serum anti-pituitary antibodies were analyzed via immunofluorescence staining using a mouse pituitary tissue. Principal component and cluster analyses were performed to classify IAD patients based on clinical characteristics and autoantibodies.ResultsImmunofluorescence analysis using the sera revealed that 58% of patients showed anti-corticotroph antibodies and 6% of patients showed anti-follicular stellate cell (FSC) antibodies. Principal component analysis demonstrated that three parameters could explain 70% of the patients. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed three clusters: Groups A and B comprised patients who were positive for anti-corticotroph antibodies, and plasma ACTH levels were extremely low. Groups A and B comprised middle-aged or elderly men and middle-aged women, respectively. Group C comprised patients who were positive for the anti-FSC antibody and elderly men; plasma ACTH levels were relatively high.ConclusionsPatients with IAD were classified into three groups based on clinical characteristics and autoantibodies. The presence of anti-corticotroph antibody suggested severe injury to corticotrophs. This new classification clearly demonstrated the heterogeneity in the pathogenesis of IAD.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katiuska Satué ◽  
Esterina Fazio ◽  
Ana Muñoz ◽  
Pietro Medica

In cycling females, the periovulatory period is characterized by stimulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The aim of present study was to analyze the pattern and interrelationships among adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol (CORT), aldosterone (ALD) and electrolytes (sodium—Na+, potassium—K+ and chloride—Cl−) during periovulatory period in cycling mares. Venous blood samples were obtained daily from a total of 23 Purebred Spanish broodmares, aged 7.09 ± 2.5 years, from day −5 to day +5 of estrous cycle, considering day 0, the day of ovulation. Plasma ACTH was measured by a fluorescent immunoassay kit, serum CORT and ALD by means of a competitive ELISA immunoassay, and plasma Na+, K+ and Cl− were quantified by an analyzer with selective electrodes for the three ions. ACTH showed higher concentrations at day 0 compared to days −5 to −1 and +1 to +3 (p < 0.05). CORT showed higher concentrations at day 0 compared to days −5 to −2 and +1 to +5 (p < 0.05). ALD showed higher concentrations at day 0 compared to days −5 to −2 (p < 0.05) and +2 (p < 0.05). Na+ and Cl− showed higher concentrations at day 0, compared to day −5 and +5. K+ showed lower concentrations at day 0 compared to day +1 (p < 0.05). The significant correlations obtained between ACTH and CORT (r = 0.20) and between ACTH and ALD (r = 0.32) suggest that although ACTH may have an effect both on CORT and ALD, there are other very important determinants that could be considered. Hence, it is possible to presume that the pituitary adrenocortical response and ALD may be involved in the ovulatory mechanisms without a direct relation with electrolyte pattern.


2020 ◽  
Vol 81 ◽  
pp. 59-62
Author(s):  
Vijayalakshmi Nandakumar ◽  
J. Paul Theobald ◽  
Alicia Algeciras-Schimnich
Keyword(s):  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy E. Durham ◽  
Brenton R. Clarke ◽  
Julie F. N. Potier ◽  
Robert Hammarstrand ◽  
George L. Malone

2020 ◽  
pp. 1098612X2092568
Author(s):  
Antonio M Tardo ◽  
Claudia E Reusch ◽  
Sara Galac ◽  
Sofia Fornetti ◽  
Alessandro Tirolo ◽  
...  

Objectives The aims of this study were to validate a commercially available chemiluminescent assay for measurement of feline plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration (ACTH), to determine the normal reference interval (RI) of plasma ACTH in healthy cats, to assess plasma ACTH in cats with naturally occurring hypercortisolism (HC), primary hypoadrenocorticism (PH) and other diseases (OD), and to evaluate the effect of aprotinin on plasma ACTH degradation. Methods Forty healthy cats, 10 with HC, 11 with PH and 30 with OD, were included. The chemiluminescent enzyme immunometric assay was evaluated by measurement of intra-assay precision, interassay precision and linearity. The RI for plasma ACTH in healthy cats was established using robust methods. Plasma ACTH of samples collected with and without aprotinin, stored at 4°C and assayed over a 6-day period, was measured. Results The intra-assay coefficients of variance (CVs) ranged from 2.7% to 4.3% and interassay CVs from 3.3% to 10.7%. Dilution studies showed excellent accuracy (R2 >0.99). The RI for plasma ACTH in healthy cats was 32–370 pg/ml. Plasma ACTH was not significantly different between healthy cats and the OD group. Cats with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) and PH had significantly higher plasma ACTH than the other groups. Plasma ACTH did not show significant differences when samples collected with and without aprotinin were compared. Conclusions and relevance The Immulite chemiluminescent assay is a valid technique for measuring plasma ACTH in cats and the RI of plasma ACTH is quite wide. Owing to the low overlap between healthy or OD cats and cats with HC or PH, the measurement of plasma ACTH appears to be useful and should be included in the diagnostic work-up when HC or PH are suspected. Furthermore, the measurement of plasma ACTH may be an accurate test for differentiating PDH from adrenal-dependent hypercortisolism.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Yuri Torchinsky ◽  
Eric Bugaieski

Abstract Background: Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors account for less than 1% of ovarian tumors, and information about their biochemical markers has been lacking. Objective: The objective was to characterize the hormonal profile of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, which should be helpful in recognizing this rare condition in the future. Methods: We reviewed test results including serum total and free testosterone, steroid hormone precursors, and inhibin B levels in a 17-year-old adolescent girl with ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor who developed secondary amenorrhea for 6 months, deepening of the voice, acne, and severe hirsutism. Results: Our patient had serum testosterone 641 ng/dL (expected 20 - 38), dihydrotestosterone 42.5 ng/dL (expected 3 - 18), 17-OH progesterone 659 ng/dL (expected 20 - 265), androstenedione 869 ng/dL (expected 50 - 224), 17-OH pregnenolone 760 ng/dL (expected 53 - 357), DHEA 1250 ng/dL (expected 4 - 491), and DHEA-S of 366 mcg/dL (expected 44 - 248). Inhibin B level was 321 pg/mL (expected &lt;136); inhibin A was normal. Anti-mullerian hormone, a-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and CA-125 tumor markers were not elevated. Karyotype was female 46,XX. Dexamethasone 0.5 mg QID PO for 4 days resulted in plasma ACTH &lt;5.0 pg/mL and serum cortisol &lt;1.0 mcg/dL, total testosterone 611 ng/dL, free testosterone 25.1 ng/dL (expected &lt;0.04 - 1.09 ng/dL), and 17-OH progesterone 887 ng/dL. Abdomen and pelvis MRI demonstrated a right ovarian mass primarily solid with high cellularity, measured 4.4 x 3.9 cm; there was at least moderate diffuse enhancement of the mass after contrast administration; adrenal glands were normal. Surgical pathology of the resected right ovary revealed moderately to poorly differentiated Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor. Single antibody immunostain procedures with appropriate controls showed a staining pattern supportive of this rare diagnosis: WT-1 showed moderate nuclear staining, calretinin showed a strong positive stain, and CK showed a patchy moderate staining pattern; immunostains for myogenin, desmin, and EMA were negative. Genetic testing revealed a germline heterozygous mutation in DICER1 gene, c3737del, p.Asn1246Metfs*12, establishing the diagnosis of DICER1 syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder predisposing to cancer. Menses resumed one month after tumor resection. Conclusions: High serum 17-OH progesterone, androstenedione, 17-OH pregnenolone, and DHEA levels used as indicators of adrenocortical function could be markers of an ovarian tumor. If serum 17-OH progesterone and testosterone remain high when cortisol and plasma ACTH are suppressed on Dexamethasone test, a source of 17-OH progesterone and testosterone is other than ACTH-dependent adrenal one. High serum inhibin B level may be sign of an ovarian tumor. Patients with Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor should be screened for DICER1 gene syndrome to assess risk for other rare neoplasms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengsi Liu ◽  
keying Zhu ◽  
Huan Chen ◽  
Wenhuan Feng ◽  
Dalong Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) can be used to assess the integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of DHEAS in differentiating adrenal Cushing syndrome (ACS) from Cushing’ disease (CD). Methods: We recruited 100 patients with Cushing syndrome, 36 with CD and 64 with ACS. 72 sex-, age- and BMI-matched nonfunctional adrenal adenomas (NFAAs) were served as controls. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. DHEAS levels were measured and DHEAS ratio was calculated by dividing the measured DHEAS by the lower limit of the respective reference range (age- and sex-matched). Results: 1) No significant differences in age, sex, or BMI were detected among the NFAAs, ACS and CD groups. Compared to NFAAs group, ACS patients had lower plasma ACTH levels [1.11(1.11,1.74) vs 5.0 ± 2.9 pmol/L, P&lt;0.01], lower DHEAS levels (24.00 ± 20.72 vs 189.05 ± 82.03 ug/dL, P &lt; 0.01) and lower DHEAS ratio [0.58(0.27,0.98) vs 5.34 ± 3.0]; Plasma ACTH (22.12 ± 14.22 pmol/L), DHEAS (309.4 ± 201.1 ug/dL) and DHEAS ratio (10.51 ± 7.65) in CD patients were significantly higher compared to those in NFAAs and ACS patients (all P&lt;0.01). 2) In ACS patients, there were 53 patients with suppressed ACTH level of &lt;2.0 pmol/L, 11 patients without plasma ACTH suppression (≥2.0pmol/L). Compared to NFAAs, lower DHEAS and DHEAS ratio were detected in these two groups, and no significant differences were found in the DHEAS [15(15, 23.5) vs 23.8 ± 14.4 ug/dL, P=0.86] and DHEAS ratio [0.58(0.27, 0.80) vs 1.0(0.25,2.09) ug/dL, P=0.40] between the two groups. 3) ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of plasma ACTH, serum DHEAS and DHEAS ratio in diagnosing 0.954, 0.997 and 0.990 respectively. The optimal cut-off values for DHEAS and its ratio were 79.1ug/dL, and 2.09, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of plasma ACTH (&lt;2.0pmol/L) were 84.1 and 100%, those of DHEAS were 97.5% and 100%, and those of DHEAS ratio were 95% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: Patients with different subtype of Cushing syndrome showed distinctive DHEAS levels and DHEAS ratio. DHEAS and DHEAS ratio are useful in differential diagnosis of Cushing syndrome. Especially, when the plasma ACTH level is not conclusive. The measurement of DHEAS may offer a supplementary test to diagnosis ACS from CD. Keywords: Adrenal Cushing syndrome; Cushing disease; Adrenocorticotropic hormone; Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document