Studies of cortisol metabolism in the Stein-Leventhal syndrome
Cugini, P.; Di Lascio, G.; Sellini, M.; Lupi, A.; Serdoz, R.
Bollettino della Societa Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale 51(7): 436-441
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-8771 PMID: 1212330 Document Number: 90503
In the Stein-Leventhal (SL) syndrome cortisol metabolism shows an increased inner pool, increased turnover and reduced elimination. Six patients with SL disease (ages 14-29) were compared with 10 normal subjects. All subjects received i.v. 10 .mu.Ci of 1,2-H3-hydrocortisone. Plasma samples were chromatographed for cortisol. Cortisol disappearance curves were analyzed by computer. The dilution volume was significantly lower for normals than for patients with polycystic degeneration of the ovaries. In those with the syndrome, metabolic clearance was increased over normal. In the SL syndrome, high blood testosterone levels may cause reduction of transcortin binding capacity and accelerate cortisol removal from plasma.