ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION IN THE AGED, ASSESSED BY THE RAPID CORTICOTROPHIN TEST (SYNACTHEN®)

Abstract

ABSTRACT 15 aged subjects, average age 81 years, were exposed to maximum corticotrophin stimulation. A single intravenous dose of 250 μg Synacthen was administered, and the changes in the plasma cortisol level were measured over the next 4 hours. 10 young subjects were included as controls. Both absolutely and relatively, the aged showed a completely adequate response. The maximum rise in cortisol concentration was observed 120 min after stimulation and was amounted to 24 μg/100 ml in the aged and 20.2 μg/100 ml in the young subjects. A significant difference in the level of the stimulation curve in the two age groups could not be demonstrated. The question is discussed whether the uniform rise in the plasma cortisol concentration in the young and the aged can be taken to support the theory of a reduced cortisol synthesis in the latter group.