Studies on circadian rhythm and the feedback mechanism of hormone secretion from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system --pertaining to the circadian variation of feedback sensitivity in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis-- (author's transl)

• Published in: Nippon Naibunpi Gakkai zasshi Vol. 51; no. 4; p. 209
• Main Authors: Kamijo, K, Suzuki, M, Oara, H, Wada, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan 20-04-1975
• Subjects: Adrenal Cortex Hormones - blood; Adrenal Glands - physiology; Adrenal Glands - physiopathology; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone - blood; Adult; Aged; Blindness - blood; Blindness - physiopathology; Circadian Rhythm; Feedback; Female; Humans; Hypothalamus - physiology; Hypothalamus - physiopathology; Male; Metyrapone; Middle Aged; Pituitary Gland - physiology; Pituitary Gland - physiopathology; Sleep Wake Disorders - blood; Sleep Wake Disorders - physiopathology; Unconsciousness - blood; Unconsciousness - physiopathology
• ISSN: 0029-0661
• DOI: 10.1507/endocrine1927.51.4_209

In order to investigate the relationship if any between the circadian rhythm of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system and of feedback sensitivity in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, temporal changes of serum corticoid level and of ACTH responsiveness to metyrapone were studied in 5 controls, 4 patients with loss of consciousness due to central nervous system diseases (Group A), 2 blind subjects (Group B) and 2 patients with psychiatric disorders accompanied with sleep-wake cycle disturbance (Group C). Two patients in Group A with normal circadian rhythm of serum corticoid levels exhibited abnormal rhythm in ACTH responsiveness to metyrapone. In contrast, 2 other patients in Group A with normal rhythm in ACTH responsiveness to metyrapone exhibited abnormal circadian rhythms of serum corticoid levels. In spite of the disturbed circadian rhythm of serum corticoid levels, 2 patients in Group B showed normal rhythm in ACTH responsiveness to metyrapone. Two patients in Group C exhibited abnormalities in both circadian changes. It was concluded that there might be different control mechanisms between the circadian rhythmicity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system and of the feedback sensitivity.